American qualifier Taylor Townsend defeated No. 4 Simona Halep in three sets 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(4) on Thursday, ending the two-time Grand Slam champion's chances at a U.S. Open title.
Halep, the 2019 Wimbledon champion, won the first set 6-2, moving Townsend all over the court and committing just four unforced errors to Townsend's 16.
Townsend exacted her revenge in the second set, grabbing the break before holding onto her serve to take a 3-1 lead. The 23-year-old's serve and volley continued to throw Halep off, helping her clinch the 6-3 win.
Halep tried to regain her momentum with three break points in the third set, but Townsend saved all three and held for a 4-2 lead.