Aryna Sabalenka Dominates to Reach US Open Third Round

Aryna Sabalenka showcased her US Open title credentials with a commanding second-round victory over Lucia Bronzetti, winning 6-3, 6-1 in just 61 minutes. The second seed, who was the runner-up last year dominated from the start on a sweltering New York day. Sabalenka capitalized on her power, breaking Bronzetti’s serve twice in each set and finishing with 24 winners.

After the match, Sabalenka was inspired by a young fan dressed as her which she described as a motivating and adorable moment. Defending champion Coco Gauff, who defeated Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s final, overcame a rocky start to beat Maria Tatjana. Gauff, who had a rough first set with 20 unforced errors and seven double faults, improved significantly in the second set. She will face 27th seed Elina Svitolina, who won against Anhelina Kalinina.

Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova suffered an early exit, losing 6-4, 7-5 to Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Krejcikova, who won Wimbledon in July struggled to match Ruse’s confidence and has not advanced past round two in New York since 2021. Ruse will next play 26th seed Paula Badosa. Three-time finalist Victoria Azarenka, battling a migraine, managed to defeat Clara Burel 6-1, 6-4.

Azarenka, who struggled with vision issues received treatment and wore sunglasses during the match. She will face Wang Yafan in the next round. In other results, Emma Navarro and Madison Keys advanced with easy victories while Zheng Qinwen recovered from a first-set loss to defeat Erika Andreeva. Great Britain’s Harriet Dart lost to 19th seed Marta Kostyuk.

Later, Coco Gauff will compete against Germany’s Tatjana Maria. The match will take place in the evening session on Arthur Ashe Stadium.