Sabalenka Storms Into US Open Third Round in Just 53 Minutes
The defending champion overwhelms Polina Iatcenko as Alcaraz, Tiafoe and other leading contenders also progress in New York.
NEW YORK, Sep 3: Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka delivered another commanding performance at the US Open, defeating Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 in just 53 minutes to book her place in the third round.
The top seed controlled the contest from the outset, giving Iatcenko little opportunity to settle into the match. Sabalenka’s emphatic victory also extended her winning run at the US Open to 16 matches as she continues her pursuit of a third consecutive women’s singles title.
Several other leading names also advanced on day four of the tournament. Defending men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz recovered after losing the opening set against Jaime Faria before completing a four-set victory.
American Frances Tiafoe moved into the third round with a straight-sets win over Japan’s Rei Sakamoto, keeping alive hopes of an American men’s singles champion ending a long wait at Flushing Meadows.
Daniil Medvedev, Jessica Pegula and Ben Shelton were among the other prominent players to secure their places in the next round.
The day’s programme was affected by rain, forcing delays on outdoor courts, while several matches were moved indoors to keep the tournament schedule moving.
Sabalenka will now turn her attention to the third round as she continues her campaign for another US Open crown.
