Sabalenka delivers against Townsend on a day to forget for the serve

Aryna Sabalenka has fulfilled her role as the favorite and has defeated Taylor Townsend in the round of 16 of the US Open 2026 with a score of 6-4 6-3 in 1 hour and 14 minutes of play. The world number 1 is only 3 wins away from defending her title in New York and achieving her first Grand Slam of the season, although it was a tough day for both players on serve.

It must not be easy for Sabalenka to have to deal with the pressure of having failed in her other 3 attempts to win a major in 2026 as the best tennis player on the planet. To this, you must add that even if she wins the title, she will lose the WTA crown if Elena Rybakina reaches the semifinals, which is too much weight on her shoulders, something that was evident during parts of the match. It was not her brightest level, also influenced by facing a very aggressive player who hardly gives any rhythm to the ball, although she was able to fulfill her mission and is already waiting in the quarterfinals for the winner of the match between Marta Kostyuk and Linda Noskova.

11 breaks in 19 games between Sabalenka and Townsend

A clear testament to how wild the match was was seen in the first set, where there were 5 breaks in the first five games and neither was able to take the lead on the scoreboard. In the end, it was Aryna who appeared more stable and consistent, and after 7 breaks managed to take the first set 6-4.

The second set was calmer, with "only" 4 breaks, 3 of them by Sabalenka, who achieved more consistency with her serve and completely unraveled a Townsend who could not keep up with the Belarusian's pace. A victory that will leave her with a bittersweet taste, but serves to continue gaining momentum for the quarterfinals where she will face a more formidable opponent.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka cumple ante Townsend en un día para olvidar al saque