Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning two-time US Open champion, swiftly overcame debutante Polina Iatcenko in a dominant 53-minute second-round match. While her on-court performance was exceptional, the victory was followed by a strained press conference where Sabalenka engaged in a sharp exchange with a reporter. This incident shed light on the immense pressure the world number one is under as she pursues a historic third consecutive US Open title, especially given her recent performance fluctuations and the ongoing battle for the top spot in global tennis rankings.
Sabalenka's rapid 6-1, 6-1 win against the 22-year-old qualifier Iatcenko, while not a true gauge of her current competitive level, undeniably bolstered her confidence. Her objective is to secure her first major title of what has been a season marked by both significant triumphs and unexpected challenges. "I am pleased with my performance, my focus, and my progression through this match," Sabalenka stated, looking ahead to her next opponent, Kamilla Rakhimova from Uzbekistan.
The pursuit of the US Open title is critical for Sabalenka, as it directly impacts her hold on the world number one ranking. Even a victory at the tournament might not guarantee her retaining the top position if Elena Rybakina advances to the semi-finals. Sabalenka's season began with immense promise, highlighted by her appearance in the Australian Open final and consecutive wins at Indian Wells and Miami. Her early-season record was nearly flawless, with only one defeat in her initial 27 matches of 2026. However, her performance subsequently waned, reflected in a 17-7 win-loss record leading into the US Open and only one WTA semi-final appearance in the preceding five months.
Prior to the final Grand Slam of the year, Sabalenka openly acknowledged facing "several issues" during a period she recognized as falling short of her peak. Following her decisive win over Iatcenko, a reporter's question about her supposedly attending "numerous parties" before the US Open prompted her strong reaction. Sabalenka retorted, "What kind of inquiry is that? Do you presume that because I shared some brand collaborations, I was indulging in parties instead of training?" When pressed on whether she was now "serious" about the tournament, she responded with sarcasm, "Oh yes, I was not serious prior. Next inquiry."
Sabalenka's overwhelming power and speed proved too much for the world number 160 Iatcenko, who managed only three winners against Sabalenka's 24. Despite initial nerves, Iatcenko showed composure to score her first game, eliciting a relieved smile. This brief reprieve was short-lived, as Sabalenka quickly closed out the first set with a love hold in under 90 seconds. A brief bathroom break taken by Iatcenko for a mental reset failed to disrupt Sabalenka's momentum. She maintained her rhythm, securing a double break in the second set to lead 3-0. Although Sabalenka experienced a minor lapse, losing serve in a loose fourth game, she quickly reasserted her dominance with two more breaks, delivering a tough but valuable lesson to Iatcenko. The Russian player can find solace in gaining significant experience against the world number one on a major stage and a substantial financial reward, adding $190,000 (£140,000) to her career earnings of $300,000 (£220,000) for future investments.
The earlier matches on Wednesday also saw third seed Pegula continue her quest for a maiden Grand Slam singles title with a comfortable win over fellow American Sofia Kenin. Pegula, along with fourth seed Coco Gauff, also has a chance to claim the world number one ranking if she wins the title, keeping her aspirations alive with a 6-3, 6-1 victory. Other straight-set winners included Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Muchova, two-time major semi-finalist Marta Kostyuk, and teenage American sensation Iva Jovic, further reinforcing the pattern of minimal upsets in the women's draw during the initial two rounds of the tournament.
