Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Aryna Sabalenka is clinging on to her US Open title and the world No.1 spot after an unconvincing win over American Taylor Townsend.
The Belarussian battled through 6-4 6-3 on Arthur Ashe Stadium in a bizarre match which featured 11 breaks of serve from 19 games before booking her place in her 17th career major quarterfinal.
Sabalenka has spent 99 weeks at the top of the rankings but she needs to win a third straight Flushing Meadows title – and for current No.2 Elena Rybakina to lose before the semi-finals – if she is to reach a century.
Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are also within striking distance in a four-way battle for the top spot.
“It’s super challenging but once again it’s important to focus on yourself,” said Sabalenka, who had to come from a break down in the second set against the popular Townsend.
“I was like ‘OK, you are down the break, just try to return the serve and put as much pressure on her as possible basically.
“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.”
Sabalenka will next play either Ukrainian 11th seed Marta Kostyuk or the Czech Republic’s Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in the last eight.
“What an incredible player she is approaching the net, what a great returner,” said Sabalenka of Townsend.
“Very brave, you can see how focused she was. It was really challenging playing her, especially here.”
