The Belarusian, who has not won a title since completing the Sunshine Double at the WTA 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami in March, needed only 75 minutes to reach the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows for the sixth consecutive year.

Both players struggled to hold serve throughout the match. Sabalenka saved only two of six break points against her, while breaking Townsend seven times from 14 opportunities.

Sabalenka made the stronger start in the opening set, becoming the first of the two players to hold serve and taking a 4-2 lead.

The 28-year-old then broke Townsend again to extend her advantage to 5-2, but surrendered her serve in a love game as Townsend fought back to 4-5 and earned a break point at 30-40.

Sabalenka responded with a winning serve to neutralise the danger, then sealed the set moments later with a powerful forehand winner.

The second set followed a similar pattern. Townsend claimed the first break to move 3-1 ahead, but Sabalenka responded emphatically, winning five consecutive games to complete the victory and secure her place in the last eight.

Townsend, 30, missed the quarter-finals in New York for the third time in her career.

Sabalenka will return to action on Tuesday, seeking to reach the US Open semi-finals for the sixth consecutive year as she continues her pursuit of a third straight title at Flushing Meadows.