NEW YORK -- After solving some early struggles to hold serve, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka overpowered Taylor Townsend on Sunday to reach the quarterfinals of the US Open.
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.
"I love matches like that because it was really challenging," said Sabalenka, who did not lose another point after falling behind 3-1 in the second set. "Going through tough challenges and overcoming those challenges, it definitely gives you strength and really strong belief that you can do it."
This was the first meeting between Sabalenka and Townsend, who gave her opponent fits in the first set but struggled to find her own rhythm.
"This was the most comfortable and confident I've ever been playing against a No. 1 player in the world," Townsend said. "From the beginning, I felt like I belonged. From the beginning, I felt like I was right where I needed to be. I still feel that way."
Next up for Sabalenka is Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova, who needed six match points to get past Marta Kostyuk 7-5, 5-7, 6-4.
"I played a couple of matches against her in the past, which also wasn't the easiest matches," Sabalenka said of Noskova. "Really aggressive style of the game. Serving really well, playing superfast. You've got to stay really low to be able to handle that power and energy."
Townsend was among the 10 Americans to reach the men's and women's rounds of 16. That marks the most Americans in the fourth round at any Grand Slam in nearly a quarter century, dating back to the 2002 US Open, when there were 11.
Fellow American Jessica Pegula beat Sorana Cirstea 6-3, 6-4 later Sunday, with compatriot Emma Navarro facing Anna Kalinskaya at night.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
