Sabalenka races past Iatcenko in 53 minutes at US Open

Aryna Sabalenka moved into the third round of the US Open with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over qualifier Polina Iatcenko on Wednesday, completing the second-round match in 53 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Guardian reported that the world No. 1 produced one of her quickest performances of the season while extending her winning run at the tournament to 16 matches.

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Sabalenka established control almost immediately, moving 3-0 ahead after 11 minutes and taking the opening set in 24 minutes. She prevented Iatcenko from settling into extended rallies and repeatedly advanced to the net behind her serve. The qualifier won one game in the set, but Sabalenka held to close it 6-1.

The defending champion maintained the same pace in the second set. Iatcenko recovered one break when three consecutive Sabalenka unforced errors offered an opening, but Sabalenka broke back in the following game and quickly restored her command. A late service game reached deuce before Sabalenka answered with a forehand winner and watched a return travel long.

According to The Guardian's match report, Sabalenka finished with 24 winners and three aces. She also won eight of the 11 points she played at the net. Both players recorded 16 unforced errors, but Iatcenko was unable to turn Sabalenka's brief lapses into sustained pressure.

The result was Sabalenka's third match of 2026 to finish in under an hour, based on Tennis Abstract data cited by The Guardian. It also improved her US Open record to 29 wins from 31 matches after taking the first set. Iatcenko was appearing in the tournament's main draw for the first time.

Sabalenka will face Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova in the third round as she continues her attempt to win a third consecutive US Open title. Speaking on court after the match, Sabalenka said she was happy with both her level and her focus. Her next assignment follows a performance in which the scoreline, speed and winner count all reflected her control.