Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka secured one of the fastest Grand Slam victories of her career in just 53 minutes, defeating US Open debutant Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 in the second round. Sabalenka, 28 and currently ranked world number one, is aiming to win her first major title of the season. While she managed to defeat Iatcenko decisively, she appeared unimpressed with her performance, suggesting it did not fully reflect her current form. Iatcenko, who had only three winners compared to Sabalenka's 24, struggled to keep up with the Belarusian's pace and power. Sabalenka’s quick win could provide a confidence boost as she seeks to achieve a rare "three-peat" by winning the US Open for a third consecutive year. However, the match did not offer a clear picture of her readiness for the tournament. During a post-match press conference, Sabalenka strongly denied reports that she had been partying before the event. She criticized a reporter for linking her social media posts—showing her with brands—to a lack of focus on training. When asked if she was now taking the tournament seriously, Sabalenka quipped, "Oh yeah, I wasn't serious before that. Next question." Iatcenko, who earned $300,000 in her career before this match, took home an additional $190,000 for her performance against Sabalenka. The match had moments of tension, including a bathroom break Iatcenko took during the first set. Despite appearing nervous, she managed to score a crucial point to reach 5-1 in the first set, showing glimpses of potential against the top-ranked player. Sabalenka’s performance has sparked questions about her ability to maintain her top ranking. Even if she retains her US Open title, her recent results—17 wins and 7 losses heading into the tournament, with only one WTA semi-final in the past five months—may allow Elena Rybakina to move to the top of the rankings. Meanwhile, other top players made smooth progress through the second round, including third seed Jessica Pegula, who defeated Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-1. Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Muchova, two-time major semi-finalist Marta Kostyuk, and teenage American sensation Iva Jovic also advanced in straight sets.