Sabalenka into US Open third round in 54 minutes; Alcaraz recovers to advance

Arina Sabalenka needed just 54 minutes to reach the third round of the 2026 US Open, running past qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 in a one-sided match in New York. ([eurosport.fr](https://www.eurosport.fr/tennis/us-open/2026/us-open-2026-une-impitoyable-sabalenka-ecrase-iatcenko-en-54-minutes-le-resume-du-match-en-video_vid60096739/video.shtml?utm_source=openai))

The Belarusian, the two-time defending champion and current world No. 1, dominated with powerful serving and few unforced errors, closing the match in remarkably quick fashion and avoiding a long night on court. ([usopen.org](https://www.usopen.org/amp/en_US/news/articles/2026-08-28/aryna_sabalenkas_nyc_success_fuels_quest_for_three-peat_at_2026_us_open.html?utm_source=openai))

Next opponents and the draw

Sabalenka will face Kamilla Rakhimova of Uzbekistan in the third round as she looks to protect her lead at the top of the WTA rankings and extend her run in Flushing Meadows. Rakhimova advanced earlier in the tournament and presents the next test for the top seed. ([wtatennis.com](https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4569164/by-the-numbers-rakhimova-battles-through-marathon-final-game-to-upset-krejcikova?utm_source=openai))

Carlos Alcaraz — the man defending last year’s US Open title — survived a scare in his second-round match after dropping the opening set to Portugal’s Jaime Faria, but recovered emphatically to win 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 and move into round three. ([usopen.org](https://www.usopen.org/amp/en_US/news/articles/2026-09-02/carlos_alcaraz_advances_at_2026_us_open_after_dropping_first_set.html?utm_source=openai))

Alcaraz steadied his game after the first set, producing a bagel in set two and stepping up his intensity to close out the victory in four sets; he will meet China’s Wu Yibing in the next round. ([usopen.org](https://www.usopen.org/amp/en_US/news/articles/2026-09-02/carlos_alcaraz_advances_at_2026_us_open_after_dropping_first_set.html?utm_source=openai))

Both results underline a busy opening week at the US Open: Sabalenka’s quick dispatch preserves energy for tougher matches ahead, while Alcaraz’s comeback will be watched closely as he defends his New York crown.

Photo: press material from the event