Sabalenka storms into US Open third round as Pegula, Medvedev advance

New York - Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the third round of the US Open, defeating qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 in just 53 minutes. The Belarusian star, ranked world number one, showcased her power and accuracy from the baseline, dropping only four points on serve. She will face Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova for a spot in the round of 16.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was set to join Sabalenka in the third round as he beat Portugal's Jaime Faria in straight sets. The Spanish player, who won his seventh major title at the Australian Open in January, overcame a wrist injury that sidelined him for four months. He will face 72nd-ranked Jaime Faria in the third round.

World number three Jessica Pegula and top seed Daniil Medvedev also advanced to the third round. Pegula defeated former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-1, while Medvedev swept past wild card Sebastian Gorzny 6-1, 6-3, 7-5. Medvedev, who struggled during the hard court season leading up to the US Open, saved a crucial break point against Gorzny in the final set.