Top seed Aryna Sabalenka powered into the third round of the US Open 2026 on Wednesday, making quick work of Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko with a dominant 6-1, 6-1 victory.

Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, was in control from the opening point, firing winners with remarkable consistency as she overwhelmed the 22-year-old Iatcenko. The Russian qualifier was competing in her first Grand Slam singles main draw.

“Night atmosphere is always the best atmosphere,” Sabalenka said after the match.

The hard courts of Flushing Meadows have been a happy hunting ground for Sabalenka. The Belarusian star has won the US Open for the past two years and is once again among the leading contenders for the title in New York.

Her recent form, however, had raised some questions heading into the tournament. Sabalenka suffered disappointing exits at both the French Open and Wimbledon, while her performances at the hard-court tournaments leading into the US Open were less convincing than usual.

There were no such concerns against the world No. 160.

Sabalenka raced into a 5-0 lead in the opening set before Iatcenko finally got on the scoreboard. The top seed dropped just four points on serve throughout the first set and wrapped it up comfortably, 6-1.

The second set followed a similar pattern. Sabalenka was broken once, allowing Iatcenko to claim her only game of the set, but immediately responded by winning the next three games to close out the match.

“I’m happy with my level. I’ve been working really hard, but I feel like I’m moving away from trying to be perfect on court,” Sabalenka said.

“I know that you cannot be perfect, and I’m just trying to work with what I have right now,” she added.

Sabalenka will now face Kamilla Rakhimova of Uzbekistan in the third round. The 92nd-ranked Rakhimova will present a tougher challenge as Sabalenka looks to continue her title defense in New York.

US Open 2026

The US Open is the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the tennis season. The 2026 edition runs from August 30 to September 13 at Flushing Meadows in New York City, with the tournament played on hard courts.

Follow the links below for more information about the US Open 2026, the draw, results, schedule, and player profiles.