New York (AFP) – The Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka defeated the Russian Polina Iatcenko this Wednesday in 54 minutes to reach the third round of the United States Open, where she is pursuing a hat trick of trophies in a row.

First modification: 09/03/2026 - 02:27

The world number one overwhelmed Iatcenko, 160th in the ranking, with a double 6-1 at the start of the night session of the New York Grand Slam.

Sabalenka, who eliminated Colombian Camila Osorio in her debut, showed no mercy for Iatcenko either, taking over the first five games of the match and pocketing the first set in 24 minutes.

The second set began with two breaks that ended up knocking down the Russian, who was playing her second Grand Slam match after beating the Mexican Renata Zarazúa in her debut.

"I am happy with my level and concentration today," declared Sabalenka, who will face the Uzbek Kamilla Rakhimova, number 92 in the WTA, in the third phase.

© 2026 AFP

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