Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz reach the US Open quarterfinals

NEW YORK (AP) – Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz are back to the quarterfinals at the U.S.

Key points

• The top-ranked Sabalenka solved some early struggles holding serve and overpowered Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday.
• Townsend broke Sabalenka three times in her first four service games as she looked to spring the upset.
• His shots are pretty dangerous and it's sometimes pretty tough to control the ball when it comes to you, so I just tried to be ready.

What happened

For context, the top-ranked Sabalenka solved some early struggles holding serve and overpowered Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday. Alcaraz additionally advanced in straight sets, beating Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in the second match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"I'm happy with that performance, " Alcaraz remarked. "I played my game. I tried to play my style. Tommy's such a talented player. His shots are pretty dangerous and it's sometimes pretty tough to control the ball when it comes to you, so I just tried to be ready."

Townsend broke Sabalenka three times in her first four service games as she looked to spring the upset. Sabalenka discovered a groove, regained her confidence and did not lose another point after falling behind 3-1 in the second set.

The bottom line

In short, defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz reach the US Open quarterfinals is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.