Aryna Sabalenka arrived at the U.S. Open facing challenges and the risk of losing her top ranking. However, she showcased a dominant performance in the second round, defeating Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 within 53 minutes on Wednesday night. Sabalenka expressed satisfaction with her level of play and focus.
While rain disrupted play on outside courts, matches proceeded smoothly under the covered roofs of Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium. Several players had their matches delayed due to the weather conditions.
Carlos Alcaraz secured a victory over Jaime Faria with a score of 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2. Jessica Pegula defeated Sofia Kenin in just 56 minutes, noting her swift victory. Ben Shelton and Daniil Medvedev also triumphed in their matches.
Sabalenka, aiming for a third consecutive win at Flushing Meadows, acknowledged her recent struggles but expressed feeling mentally and physically stronger. She emphasized her improved performance and mindset.
The tournament’s scheduling was affected by rain delays, stretching the first round into the fourth day. Players like Alex de Minaur and Paula Badosa had to adapt to changing match locations and timings. Badosa, in particular, faced uncertainty in preparing for the resumption of her match against Daria Kasatkina.
Despite the challenges, the tournament progressed with notable victories, including Alexander Zverev’s win in five sets and Coco Gauff’s quest for a second U.S. Open title. The completion of the first round paved the way for upcoming matches, with several players advancing to the next rounds.