Aryna Sabalenka beats Taylor Townsend to reach US Open quarterfinals

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka overcame a difficult start to defeat Taylor Townsend in straight sets and reach the US Open quarterfinals on Sunday.

The two-time defending champion struggled early as Townsend broke her serve three times in her opening four service games.

Sabalenka eventually found her rhythm and secured a 6-4, 6-3 victory.

"Basically, I was just trying to stay focused on myself and play not only point by point but ball by ball. I'm happy that I was able to turn it around in that second set,” Sabalenka said, according to ESPN.

It was the first meeting between Sabalenka and Townsend, with the American causing problems early before losing momentum.

"I'm happy to be through this really tough opponent. What an incredible player she is approaching the net. What a great returner: moving well, very brave. You could see how focused she was. It was really challenging playing her,” Sabalenka said.

Sabalenka will next face either Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova or Marta Kostyuk for a place in the US Open semifinals.

Townsend was among 10 Americans to reach the men's and women's fourth round at Flushing Meadows, the highest total at a Grand Slam since the 2002 US Open.