Defending champions Sabalenka, Alcaraz reach US Open quarters

Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, returns the ball to Taylor Townsend, of the United States, during the fourth round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo-Yuki Iwamura)

Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the US Open quarterfinals in straight sets on Sunday, maintaining their bids to retain their titles.

World No. 1 Sabalenka overcame an early challenge from Taylor Townsend before winning 6-4, 6-3. Alcaraz followed with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over American Tommy Paul at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Townsend broke Sabalenka three times in her first four service games, but the top seed gradually found her rhythm and took control. She did not drop another point after falling 3-1 behind in the second set.

“I love matches like that because it was really challenging,” Sabalenka said, adding that overcoming difficult moments strengthened her confidence.

Sabalenka will next face Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, who defeated Marta Kostyuk 7-5, 5-7, 6-4.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, continued his impressive return from a four-month absence caused by a right wrist injury. The 23-year-old Spaniard has dropped only one set in four rounds and extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 18 matches.

“I’m just trying to enjoy my time on the court,” Alcaraz said. “Every time that I come here, I play my best.”

Alcaraz will meet eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton in Tuesday's quarterfinal. Shelton advanced after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets. AP/UNB