Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka matched Serena Williams' achievement by reaching her sixth consecutive US Open quarter-final, overcoming American Taylor Townsend in a volatile match that featured 10 breaks of serve. The Belarusian won 6-4 6-3 on 2 September 2026, extending her remarkable 18-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows and her three-year unbeaten run at the tournament following back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025.
Sabalenka, 28, has now claimed more singles wins at the US Open than any other woman since her main-draw debut in 2018, with 38 victories to her name. According to ESPN's live scoreboard, she advanced to the quarterfinals after prevailing in straight sets. The top seed is pursuing a historic three-peat title, having won the championship in both 2024 and 2025, and sits three victories away from equalling Williams' record of three consecutive US Open crowns.
The match proved far more demanding than the scoreline suggested. Sabalenka found herself trailing 3-1 in the second set before mounting a comeback, winning five consecutive games to seal victory in 75 minutes. The opening set was characterised by chaotic serving, with five successive breaks of serve occurring early as both competitors demonstrated exceptional returning. Townsend, a doubles specialist who wore a striking long black-feathered outfit, forced Sabalenka to serve out the first set at the second opportunity before breaking through in the second.
Sabalenka responded immediately by breaking back to love, a moment she later identified as pivotal.
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.
From that point, Sabalenka's dominance became apparent. She surrendered just five points across the final five games, demonstrating the composure and resilience that have defined her recent performances at this venue. Despite facing a largely hostile crowd, the four-time major champion maintained her focus and executed her gameplan with precision.
The victory comes at a crucial moment in Sabalenka's season. She had not reached a final since winning Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back in March and had struggled to rediscover the confidence she commanded in the first half of the season when she won 26 of her first 27 matches. Her world No. 1 ranking remains under threat, with Elena Rybakina currently holding the top spot in the live rankings, while Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff also remain in contention at the tournament.
How did Sabalenka handle the crowd pressure?
The atmosphere presented a significant challenge, with the vast majority of spectators supporting Townsend throughout the encounter. Sabalenka acknowledged this difficulty but expressed gratitude for moments when the crowd recognised her efforts.
Thank you so much [to the crowd] for being so respectful to me. I knew coming into this match that you guys would be on her side, but you were sometimes cheering for me and I really appreciate that.
This victory underscores Sabalenka's mental fortitude in testing circumstances. She has not always maintained composure in similarly demanding scenarios, making this display particularly noteworthy given the hostile environment and the quality of her opponent's play. After the match, Sabalenka reflected on the value of overcoming such challenges.
I love matches like that, because it was really challenging, and going through tough challenges and overcoming those challenges, it definitely gives you strength and strong belief that you can do it. So these kind of matches is really like a boost of confidence.
What did Sabalenka say about Townsend's performance?
Despite the defeat, Townsend earned high praise from Sabalenka for her aggressive approach and returning prowess.
What an incredible player she is, approaching the net, a great returner, moving well, very brave. You can see how focused she was. It was really challenging playing her, especially here.
Townsend's willingness to attack and her court positioning forced Sabalenka into uncomfortable positions throughout, though ultimately the champion's superior consistency and ability to elevate her game at crucial moments proved decisive. However, observers noted that Townsend's lack of belief against a player of Sabalenka's calibre became evident in the decisive moments of the match.
What is Sabalenka's record at the US Open?
At home on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, Sabalenka has established a formidable record. She has not failed to reach the semi-finals at this tournament since 2020, demonstrating remarkable consistency over the past six years. According to WTA match notes, this was her ninth US Open main-draw appearance, and she entered the event with a 15-16 record for the season, making this run particularly significant for her ranking aspirations.
Sabalenka must lift the trophy to retain her number one ranking, adding extra motivation to her campaign. Following a fourth-round exit at Wimbledon, she is attempting to avoid her first season without a major title since 2022, making the remainder of this tournament crucial to her year. When asked about the pressure surrounding her ranking, Sabalenka stressed the importance of focusing solely on her own performance.
I completely separate myself from that, because it's just guessing. It's like if, if, if, if. I feel, for me, I'm just focusing on myself. I'm just trying to bring my best tennis every time I'm competing out there and basically fight for it. There is always scenarios for something. There is always different statistics that social media brings, so I'm just completely trying to stay away from it.
Four rounds into the tournament, Sabalenka has yet to drop a set. It is noteworthy, however, that her first-round opponent, world No. 59 Camila Osorio, has been her only opponent ranked inside the top 90, suggesting a favourable draw to this point.
Who will Sabalenka face next?
Sabalenka will meet Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in the quarter-finals after the Czech sixth seed survived an emotionally draining encounter with Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk. Noskova required six match points to secure a 7-5 5-7 6-4 victory in a match lasting two and a half hours. According to pre-tournament analysis, this quarterfinal matchup had been projected as a likely path for Sabalenka in the draw.
Noskova's relief was evident as she crouched to the ground after finally converting her sixth match point, more than an hour after earning her first. She had served for the match in the second set but missed her opening two opportunities as Kostyuk fought back from 5-3 down to force a deciding set. The players exchanged breaks in a tense final set, with Noskova establishing a 5-3 advantage before Kostyuk saved break points and forced additional match points.
I am more than relieved, this match was so tough, emotionally a bit more than physically. Today was very close, it could have ended both ways. With all the chances I had in the second set, it was tough to still kind of restart.
Kostyuk has been in the form of her life recently, following her biggest career title by reaching consecutive Grand Slam semi-finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Noskova, meanwhile, appears to be slowly finding her feet again as she continues to digest her life-changing triumph at Wimbledon. The 21-year-old's victory sets up a compelling quarterfinal clash between two of the tournament's most in-form players, with Sabalenka seeking to maintain her unbeaten streak and Noskova attempting to build on her recent success.
[It] doesn't matter who I face, it's going to be a great battle, great fight, and I'm really excited,Sabalenka said of the upcoming quarterfinal.
Key Facts
- Sabalenka extended her US Open winning streak to 18 consecutive matches, maintaining her three-year unbeaten run at the tournament
- The Belarusian has recorded 38 singles wins at the US Open since 2018, more than any other woman in that period
- Sabalenka is three victories away from equalling Serena Williams' record of three consecutive US Open titles
- She must win the tournament to retain her number one ranking, which is currently under threat from Elena Rybakina
- Noskova's quarterfinal opponent will be Sabalenka after the Czech sixth seed overcame Kostyuk in a two-and-a-half-hour marathon
