Defending Champions Under Pressure: Can Sabalenka and Alcaraz Reach the US Open Quarterfinals?

Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz will take another major step in their US Open title defence when they return to the court for their fourth-round matches on Sunday.

World No. 1 Sabalenka will open proceedings at Arthur Ashe Stadium against American Taylor Townsend, with the two players meeting for the first time. The Belarusian star is aiming to keep her bid for a third consecutive US Open title firmly on track.

Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed, will follow against American Tommy Paul. The Spaniard is competing in his first tournament since recovering from a wrist injury and will be keen to maintain his momentum as he targets another deep run at Flushing Meadows.

The fourth round has also highlighted the strength of American tennis this year. Ten Americans, five men and five women, have reached the singles round of 16, the highest number at a Grand Slam since the 2002 US Open.

Among the American men, Paul is joined by Ben Shelton, Learner Tien, Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen. Tien, just 20, became the youngest American man to reach the US Open fourth round since Andy Roddick in 2002 after edging Jakub Mensik in a thrilling five-set battle.

Shelton, the eighth seed, faces Stefanos Tsitsipas in the night session, while Tiafoe takes on former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev.

The women’s draw also features intriguing clashes, with Emma Navarro facing Anna Kalinskaya, Jessica Pegula meeting Sorana Cirstea, and Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova taking on Marta Kostyuk.

With the title race intensifying, both defending champions face crucial tests as the tournament enters its business end.