Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka subdued American Taylor Townsend in straight sets on Sunday to book a US Open quarter-final clash with Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova. Sabalenka needed all of her resolve against the multi-faceted Townsend, whose blistering service returns and net prowess flummoxed the Belarusian star in a first set that opened with five breaks of serve. Sabalenka rallied from 3-1 down in the second set for a 6-4, 6-3 victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium, where men’s defending champion Carlos Alcaraz took on 20th-seeded American Tommy Paul in search of a quarter-final berth.
Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka subdued American Taylor Townsend in straight sets on Sunday to book a US Open quarter-final clash with Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova.
“You can see how focused she was and it was really challenging playing her, especially here. The second set unfolded in more traditional style, neither player facing a break point through the first three games. Sabalenka immediately broke back, however, launching a run of five straight games to take the match. “I was just trying to stay focused on myself and play not only point by point but ball by ball and I’m happy that I was able to turn around that second set. The Belarusian, who must win to have a chance of retaining her number one status in New York, will face sixth-seeded Czech Noskova for a place in the semi-finals. “This match was so tough, emotionally more so than physically. Alcaraz, playing his first tournament since a wrist injury forced him to the sidelines in April, will look for continued improvement as he takes on a familiar opponent in Paul.
Noskova needed six match points to seal a 7-5, 5-7, 6-4 victory over Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, failing to convert two in the second set.
“What an incredible player she is, approaching the net, what a great returner, moving well, very brave,” Sabalenka said after her first meeting with the fiery player from Chicago. “I was like, OK, you’re down the break just try to return the serve and put as much pressure as you can on her,” Sabalenka said. “I am more than relieved,” Noskova said.
