Aryna Sabalenka hammers Taylor Townsend, emulates Serena with US Open quarters berth

The world No.1, who is chasing a third straight US Open title, had to negotiate a spirited challenge from Townsend before eventually pulling away in straight sets. The victory extended Sabalenka’s winning streak at the tournament to 17 matches and further strengthened her extraordinary.

The opening set was an unusually chaotic affair, with the first five games producing successive breaks of serve. Sabalenka struck first, but Townsend immediately responded to level at 1-1.

What Happened

The Belarusian then broke again, only for Townsend to hit back once more. Sabalenka regained the advantage at 3-2 before finally holding serve for the first time to move 4-2 ahead.

• She continued to apply pressure and eventually secured the match 6-3 with a backhand winner.

• Another break, helped by a Townsend backhand error, put her 4-3 ahead.

• From there, Sabalenka began to impose her authority.

Key Details

She earned the break back when Townsend double-faulted, levelling the set at 3-3.

• The defending champion's response was immediate.

• Townsend, however, refused to surrender, breaking back and then holding serve to reduce the deficit to 5-4.

• The top seed appeared to be taking control when another break gave her a 5-2 lead.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge