Sabalenka Powers Past Iatchenko in Straight Sets at US Open

Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline play proved overwhelming for world number 160 Iatcenko, who managed just three winners compared to the 24 recorded by the top seed throughout the match.

Iatcenko appeared visibly nervous during the biggest match of her career, but managed to compose herself momentarily to score a point at 5-1, breaking into a relieved smile immediately after.

The respite was brief, however, as Sabalenka stormed through the opener, holding serve to love in under 90 seconds to secure the first set.

Despite spending only 24 minutes on court, Iatchenko opted for a bathroom break to change her kit—likely serving more as a mental reset than anything else.

During the delay, Sabalenka remained focused, practicing her serves to maintain rhythm before returning to action and quickly establishing a double break lead early in the second set.

While not flawless—Sabalenka dropped serve in a sloppy fourth game—she reasserted her dominance with two additional breaks, delivering a clear reminder of the experience gap between the competitors.

Iatchenko can take pride in gaining invaluable experience facing the world number one on tennis’s grandest stage, along with a significant financial reward that will support her career development.

Entering the tournament having earned $300,000 in her career, she now adds another $190,000 from her US Open appearance to reinvest in her future.

Earlier on Wednesday, third seed Pegula advanced comfortably past fellow American Sofia Kenin with a 6-3 6-1 victory in her pursuit of a first Grand Slam singles title.

Pegula, along with fourth seed Coco Gauff, remains in contention to potentially replace Sabalenka at the world number one ranking should either claim the championship title.

Other notable straight-set victories included Wimbledon finalist Karolina Muchova, two-time Grand Slam semifinalist Marta Kostyuk, and teenage rising star Iva Jovic, continuing the trend of minimal upsets in the women’s draw through the first two rounds.

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