Fourth-round matches continued at the US Open on day eight, with Sabalenka advancing at Flushing Meadows. The doubles competition was tied 4-4 as players warmed up on the Ashe court.
Townsend, who was scheduled to face Sabalenka, was expected to rely on topspin shots angled cross-court at her opponent's backhand to push her outside the lines. Townsend also appeared likely to adopt a slower pace in an effort to frustrate the defending champion.
Other fourth-round matchups on the day included Alcaraz v Paul and Noskova v Kostyuk.
