World number one and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka reached the U.S. Open quarter-finals on Sunday after defeating American Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3. Sabalenka reached the final eight without dropping a set, keeping her bid for a rare three-peat alive.
Although the top-ranked player encountered some early struggles holding serve, she eventually found her groove and overpowered Townsend. With this victory, Sabalenka emulates Serena Williams by reaching her sixth straight U.S. Open quarter-final.
Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova also advanced to the quarter-finals on Sunday. Noskova survived a mid-match fightback from 11th seed Marta Kostyuk, winning 7-5, 5-7, 6-4.
Following their wins, the defending champion and the Wimbledon champion are now set to face each other in the quarter-finals.