Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz have made a seamless return to the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open.
Top seed Sabalenka overcame some initial challenges with her serve to dominate Taylor Townsend, winning 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday. Alcaraz also progressed in straight sets, defeating Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 during the second match at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
“I’m pleased with that performance,” Alcaraz commented. “I played my game and focused on my style. Tommy is a highly skilled player. His shots can be very dangerous, and it can be tough to control the ball when it comes your way, so I just aimed to be prepared.”
In her attempt to pull off an upset, Townsend broke Sabalenka three times in her first four service games. However, Sabalenka found her rhythm, regained her confidence, and did not drop another point after trailing 3-1 in the second set.
“I enjoy matches like that because they are truly challenging,” Sabalenka expressed. “Facing tough situations and overcoming them strengthens your belief that you can succeed.”
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This marked the first encounter between Sabalenka and Townsend, who posed challenges for her opponent in the opening set but found it difficult to establish her own rhythm.
“This was the most at ease and confident I’ve ever felt playing against a world No. 1,” Townsend reflected. “Right from the start, I felt I belonged. I felt I was right where I needed to be, and I still feel that way.”
Up next for Sabalenka is Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, who required six match points to edge past Marta Kostyuk 7-5, 5-7, 6-4.
“I’ve faced her a couple of times before, and those were not easy matches,” Sabalenka noted about Noskova. “She plays a very aggressive style with a strong serve and quick pace. You have to stay low to manage that power and energy.”
Alcaraz dominates Paul
After a four-month hiatus due to a right wrist injury, Alcaraz stated last week that he wouldn’t return unless he could play at his best. The 23-year-old Spaniard has certainly delivered on that promise, having lost only one set so far in the tournament.
Alcaraz controlled the match, extending his Grand Slam winning streak to 18. When Paul began to pose a challenge in the third set, Alcaraz set up match point with a shot so precise that it left actor Matthew McConaughey and many in the audience astonished.
When asked if he believes he has returned to form, Alcaraz replied, “I think so.” The U.S. Open seems to be bringing out the best in him.
“I’m simply trying to enjoy my time on the court,” Alcaraz added. “It doesn’t matter that I was out for four and a half months. Every time I step here, I aim to play my best.”
Alcaraz is set to face American Ben Shelton, the No. 8 seed, on Tuesday after Shelton delivered an impressive performance against Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday night.
“We’re thrilled to see him back on tour. He energizes the stadium every time he competes,” Shelton said of Alcaraz. “I expect there will be fireworks on Tuesday night.”
Townsend and Paul were among the ten Americans to reach the Round of 16 in both the men’s and women’s draws. This is the highest number of American players in the fourth round at any Grand Slam in nearly 25 years, dating back to the 2002 U.S. Open when there were 11.
The five U.S. men — Paul, Shelton, Learner Tien, Frances Tiafoe, and Alex Michelsen — represent the most at a major since eight made it in 1995 at Flushing Meadows.
“American tennis has been on the rise for many years,” remarked Townsend. “There has been a steady group of players — Jess, Coco — [who] have consistently ranked near the top for quite some time. Ben, Frances, Tommy, Taylor: it’s a fantastic group of men as well.”
At just 20, Tien is the youngest American man to reach the U.S. Open fourth round since Andy Roddick in 2002.
Tiafoe triumphed over seventh-seeded Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (1), 6-4, 7-6 (6), extending his perfect record to 10-0 at Louis Armstrong Stadium, which he affectionately refers to as “the people’s court.” Michelsen defeated Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6 (6), 6-4, 6-4.
Michelsen and Tiafoe are set to clash in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, ensuring an American man will reach the semifinals. No U.S. men’s player has secured a Grand Slam title since Roddick’s victory in New York in ’03.
Additionally, an all-American clash will occur in the women’s quarterfinals. No. 3 Jessica Pegula advanced by defeating No. 16 Sorana Cirstea and will compete against 26th-seeded Emma Navarro, who eliminated No. 21 Anna Kalinskaya in straight sets.