Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz powered into the US Open quarterfinals with straight-set wins on Sunday, keeping their title defences firmly on track.
World No. 1 Sabalenka overcame a shaky start to beat Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3 in the women’s singles.
Townsend broke the Belarusian three times in her first four service games, but Sabalenka found her rhythm and took control, winning every point after trailing 3-1 in the second set.
Sabalenka next faces Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, who survived Marta Kostyuk 7-5, 5-7, 6-4.
Alcaraz was equally impressive, defeating Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the last eight without dropping a set since the opening round.
The Spaniard, returning after a four-month absence due to a wrist injury, extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 18 matches.
“I think so,” Alcaraz said when asked if he was back to his best.
The 23-year-old next meets American No. 8 seed Ben Shelton, who swept Stefanos Tsitsipas.
American tennis also enjoyed a strong showing, with five men reaching the fourth round.
Frances Tiafoe beat Daniil Medvedev, while Alex Michelsen ousted Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
Tiafoe and Michelsen will meet in the quarterfinals, guaranteeing a US man a semi-final spot.Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro will contest the women’s quarters.