Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz made getting back to the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open look easy, even if their paths there felt more difficult than they looked. The top-ranked Sabalenka solved some early struggles to hold serve and overpower Taylor Townsend. Alcaraz also advanced in straight sets, beating Tommy Paul. Next up for Sabalenka is Linda Noskova, who won Wimbledon earlier this year. Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen advanced to guarantee at least one American in the men's semifinals.