Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka made a statement at the US Open on Wednesday, cruising past Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 to reach the third round.
American Frances Tiafoe also progressed, defeating Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto in straight sets. Top seed Sabalenka completed her victory in just 48 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Belarusian raced through the opening set in 24 minutes and maintained her dominance despite briefly dropping serve in the second.
Sabalenka immediately responded with a break and never allowed Iatcenko back into the contest, extending her winning streak at Flushing Meadows to 16 matches.
The 28-year-old is chasing a third successive US Open crown, a feat that would place her alongside Serena Williams and Chris Evert. She will face Kamilla Rakhimova in the next round.
Tiafoe, meanwhile, overcame a determined Sakamoto 6-3, 7-6(2), 7-5 at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The 12th-seeded American was tested by Sakamoto’s big serve, with the Japanese qualifier firing 18 aces and forcing a second-set tiebreak. Tiafoe took control of the breaker and held his nerve in the third set to seal victory.
Sakamoto’s 40 unforced errors ultimately hurt his chances as Tiafoe secured a straight-sets win after being pushed to five sets in his opening match.
The two-time US Open semi-finalist will next play either Kamil Majchrzak or Valentin Vacherot.
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