US Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka beats Taylor Townsend to reach quarter-finals and retain world No 1 spot

Aryna Sabalenka is clinging on to her US Open title and the world No 1 spot after an unconvincing win over Taylor Townsend.

The Belarussian battled through 6-4 6-3 on Arthur Ashe Stadium in a bizarre match which featured 11 breaks of serve from 19 games.

Sabalenka has spent 99 weeks at the top of the rankings but she needs to win a third straight Flushing Meadows title - and for current No 2 Elena Rybakina to lose before the semi-finals - if she is to reach a century.

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Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are also within striking distance in a four-way battle for the No 1 spot.

"It's super challenging but once again it's important to focus on yourself," said Sabalenka, who had to come from a break down in the second set against popular American Townsend.

"I was like 'okay, you are down the break, just try to return the serve and put as much pressure on her as possible'.

"I was just trying to stay focused on myself, not only point by point but ball by ball. I'm happy I was able to turn around the second set, I think it was a key moment."

How did Sabalenka perform?

Sky Sports Tennis' Martina Navratilova:

"It was good enough. It was pretty solid. Townsend had more winners but Aryna did really well returning serve and with passing shots.

"Townsend tried to come into the net more, but she wasn't successful there, that's how well Sabalenka played from the baseline.

"Overall, I would give Sabalenka a 'B' because she lost her serve so many times, but she played really well when it mattered."

'Showwoman Sabalenka meant business'

Sky Sports Tennis' Annabel Croft:

"There was a lot of ferocious intensity to what Sabalenka brought onto this court. When she went a break down in the second set, she really galvanised herself. When she got back on track, she let out the most enormous shriek and you just knew she meant business.

"The passion, the aura, the mentality, the personality, she brings so much to every court. She's a great showwoman and puts on a show whenever she plays tennis. She understands this isn't just sport, it's entertainment as well.

"She is going to take some beating. She doesn't look as vulnerable as I was expecting. So far, she hasn't dropped a set and looks in very good shape."

The US Open is live on Sky Sports from August 30. Stream tennis with no contract on NOW and the Sky Sports App. You can also watch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25-27 September live on Sky Sports.

(c) Sky Sports 2026: US Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka beats Taylor Townsend to reach quarter-finals and retain world No 1 spot