Sabalenka through to US Open quarterfinals

Solving some early struggles to hold serve, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka overpowered Taylor Townsend on Sunday to reach the quarterfinals of tennis’s US Open in New York City in the United States. Townsend broke Sabalenka three times in the two-time defending champion’s first four service games as she looked to spring the upset. Sabalenka found a groove, regained her confidence and won 6-4, 6-3.

Sabalenka next faces either Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova or Marta Kostyuk for a spot in the semifinals. What a great returner: moving well, very brave. You could see how focused she was.

It was really challenging playing her.”