# Sabalenka Secures US Open Third Round Spot with Commanding Performance

*Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka dominated Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko in straight sets to advance to the third round of the US Open.*

September 3, 2026 · Sports

Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka stormed into the third round of the US Open with a commanding 6-1, 6-1 victory over Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko. The Belarusian, a four-time Grand Slam champion and two-time defending US Open winner, showcased her prowess on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. Sabalenka, who has faced recent struggles with disappointing losses at the French Open and Wimbledon, appeared mentally and physically stronger as she raced to a 5-0 lead in the first set. She dropped just four points on serve in the opening set and was broken only once in the second, securing her 15th consecutive win at the tournament.

Sabalenka's performance was a stark contrast to her recent form, where she had struggled in hard court warmup tournaments leading up to the US Open. The 22-year-old Iatcenko, playing in her first Grand Slam singles main draw, was overwhelmed by Sabalenka's aggressive play. Sabalenka expressed her satisfaction with her current level of play, stating, "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. I know that you cannot be perfect, and I'm just trying to work with what I have right now."

Sabalenka's next challenge will be against 92nd-ranked Kamilla Rakhimova of Uzbekistan in the third round. The Belarusian's recent form and her love for the night atmosphere at the US Open suggest she is a strong contender to continue her dominance at Flushing Meadows.

## FAQs

- **Who is Aryna Sabalenka?** Aryna Sabalenka is a top-seeded professional tennis player from Belarus. She is a four-time Grand Slam champion and has won the US Open in the last two years.
- **Who did Sabalenka defeat to advance to the third round?** Sabalenka defeated Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1.
- **What is Sabalenka's recent form like?** Sabalenka has faced recent struggles, including disappointing losses at the French Open and Wimbledon, but she appeared stronger both mentally and physically in her US Open match.
- **Who is Sabalenka's next opponent?** Sabalenka's next opponent in the third round is 92nd-ranked Kamilla Rakhimova of Uzbekistan.
- **How many consecutive wins does Sabalenka have at the US Open?** Sabalenka has secured her 15th consecutive win at the US Open.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/sports/sabalenka-races-into-us-open-third-round