Aryna Sabalenka eased into the third round of the US Open with a dominant 6-1 6-1 win over debutant Polina Iatcenko, wrapping up victory in just 53 minutes. Despite the ruthless scoreline, the world number one seemed unsettled during the match and afterwards clashed with a reporter in her news conference over questions about her off-court activities, hinting at underlying tension as she chases a rare third consecutive US Open title.

Sabalenka, 28, is seeking her first major of an up-and-down season after a strong start faltered following her Sunshine Double triumph in Indian Wells and Miami; her win-loss record fell to 17-7 with only one WTA semi-final reached in the past five months. Iatcenko, ranked 160th, managed just three winners to Sabalenka's 24 but earned $190,000 (£140,000) in prize money. Sabalenka next faces Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova, knowing another title defence is likely needed to prevent Elena Rybakina overtaking her as world number one.