Aryna Sabalenka Powers Into US Open Third Round, Hits Back

Aryna Sabalenka stormed into the US Open third round with a ruthless 53-minute demolition of qualifier Polina Iatcenko. The top seed and two-time defending champion won 6-1, 6-1 on Wednesday night, a dominant performance that signals a return to form after a mid-season slump.

Is Sabalenka's US Open three-peat back on track?

Her second-round victory was a masterclass in power and focus. Sabalenka blasted 24 winners past the 160th-ranked Iatcenko, barely putting a foot wrong under the roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium. The match lasted just 53 minutes, one of the quickest Grand Slam wins of her career. She told reporters she was happy with her level and focus, a stark contrast to her struggles earlier in the summer where she hadn't won a title since the Miami Open in March. This win keeps her quest for a rare US Open three-peat alive, a feat last achieved in women's singles by Serena Williams.

Why did Sabalenka call reporters 'a joke'?

The world number one's mood shifted sharply in her post-match press conference. For the second round in a row, Sabalenka faced questions about her preparation, with a reporter implying her off-court brand appearances amounted to "parties and fun." Sabalenka bristled at the suggestion. "You guys are, like, a joke. Parties, fun … like, why would you even say that?" she fired back. She argued that posting sponsored activities did not mean she had neglected training. "Just because I posted some activities with brands, and you think that I've been partying, not training?" she asked, cutting the exchange short. The 28-year-old made it clear she felt her professionalism was being unfairly questioned.

What's behind Sabalenka's recent struggles?

Sabalenka admitted she had a difficult middle of the season after a spectacular start to the year. She completed the prestigious Indian Wells and Miami double in March but hasn't lifted a trophy since. "I think I struggled a little bit in the middle of the season," she said after her win, though she declined to elaborate on the reasons. Her performance in New York so far suggests she is moving past those issues. She explained she's working on being less perfectionist on court. "I feel like I'm kind of moving away from trying to be perfect on court," Sabalenka said.

How did other top contenders fare on Wednesday?

Sabalenka wasn't the only defending champion in action. On the men's side, Carlos Alcaraz also advanced to the third round, though he had a tougher path. The second seed dropped his first set of the tournament to Portugal's Jaime Faria before rallying to win 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2. Alcaraz was playing his first major since a wrist injury in April. Third-ranked Jessica Pegula needed only 56 minutes to beat Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-1. Rain continued to disrupt the schedule on outside courts, but play proceeded uninterrupted under the roofs on Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadium.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the US Open third round with a dominant 6-1, 6-1 win in 53 minutes.
• The world number one angrily rebutted suggestions her off-court activities harmed her tournament preparation.
• Sabalenka is aiming for a third consecutive US Open title after a title drought since March.
• Defending men's champion Carlos Alcaraz also progressed in four sets after shaking off early rust.

Sabalenka will next face Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova in the third round as she continues her title defense at Flushing Meadows.