<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/you-can-smoke-whatever-but-not-around-the-courts-23648586" rel="nofollow">Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka</a> and Carlos Alcaraz booked their spots in the US Open quarterfinals, producing clinical performances at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Top-ranked Sabalenka recovered from early trouble to beat Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3. Alcaraz was similarly dominant, advancing with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory against Tommy Paul.
Townsend earned three service breaks across Sabalenka&rsquo;s opening four service games in a bid to cause an upset. However, the world No. 1 took total control, refusing to drop another point after falling behind 3-1 in the second set.
"I love matches like that because it was really challenging. Going through tough challenges and overcoming those challenges, it definitely gives you strength and a really strong belief that you can do it." Sabalenka said.
Townsend gave Sabalenka early trouble in their first-ever career meeting, though she was unable to sustain her momentum.
"This was the most comfortable and confident I've ever been playing against a No. 1 player in the world. 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." Townsend said after her defeat.
Sabalenka will next face <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/wimbledon-2026-karolina-muchova-linda-noskova-friendship-on-hold-for-womens-title-23639217" rel="nofollow">Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova</a>, who converted her sixth match point to defeat Marta Kostyuk 7-5, 5-7, 6-4.
"I played a couple of matches against her in the past, which also weren't the easiest matches," Sabalenka said of Noskova. "Really aggressive style of the game. Serving really well, playing super fast. You've got to stay really low to be able to handle that power and energy."
<h2>Alcaraz maintains dominant form after injury return</h2>
Competing in his first event after a four-month layoff due to a right wrist injury, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/us-open-2026-thought-i-was-going-to-be-dead-carlos-alcaraz-23648585" rel="nofollow">Carlos Alcaraz</a> has lost just one set across four rounds.
The 23-year-old Spaniard pushed his Grand Slam-winning streak to 18 matches. During a competitive third set, Alcaraz produced a remarkable winner to set up match point, leaving actor Matthew McConaughey and the Ashe crowd in awe.
"I'm happy with that performance. I played my game. I tried to play my style. Tommy's such a talented player. His shots are pretty dangerous, and it's sometimes pretty difficult to control the ball when it comes to you, so I just tried to be ready." Alcaraz said.
"I'm just trying to enjoy my time on the court. It doesn't matter that I was out four months and a half. Every time that I come here, I play my best." &nbsp;Alcaraz concluded.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz delivered straight-set victories over Taylor Townsend and Tommy Paul to reach the US Open QF


Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz sail into US Open quarterfinals

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Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz sail into US Open quarterfinals

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