Top-seeded players maintained their firm grip on the US Open in New York despite persistent rain delays disrupting the tournament schedule. Defending title contender Aryna Sabalenka produced a commanding performance in the women's singles second round to book her place in the third round. Alongside her, Jessica Pegula, Ben Shelton, and Daniil Medvedev also registered victory in their respective matches. Rain halted play across multiple outer courts, leaving matches under the retractable roofs of the main arenas to proceed uninterrupted.
Sabalenka and Pegula Command Women's Singles Matches
Two-time champion and top seed Aryna Sabalenka delivered a ruthless performance on Wednesday night against Polina Iatcenko. Exhibiting baseline power hitting, Sabalenka wrapped up a 6-1, 6-1 victory in just 53 minutes. Rebounding from inconsistent form in recent events, she demonstrated a complete return to top shape. Following the win, Sabalenka noted that she was very happy with how she played and remained fully focused on her game throughout the contest. In another swift second-round match, Jessica Pegula needed only 56 minutes to eliminate Sofia Kenin with a 6-3, 6-1 scoreline and secure her berth in the third round.
Weather Interruptions and Roof Operations at Flushing Meadows
Inclement weather severely disrupted the outer court schedule on Wednesday, making the retractable roofs at Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium essential for continuous action. The delay pushed several first-round fixtures into late Wednesday night. Paula Badosa completed a match against Daria Kasatkina that was suspended on Tuesday when Badosa was just one game away from victory. Returning to seal a 6-1, 6-4 win on Wednesday, Badosa admitted after the match that she was unsure whether she would need to play just two points or six upon resumption.
Men's Singles Action: Shelton and Medvedev Progress
In the men's draw, eighth seed Ben Shelton survived a tough test against Hubert Hurkacz. Shelton edged out a competitive four-set battle 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (3), 7-5 to move forward. Seventh seed Daniil Medvedev enjoyed a smoother outing, defeating Sebastian Gorzny 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in straight sets. Argentina's Mariano Navone maintained his winning streak after his previous victory over Novak Djokovic, defeating Matteo Berrettini 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) in a physical four-set clash.
First-Round Completion and Notable Upsets
Delayed first-round matches finally concluded late Wednesday night. Sixth seed Alex de Minaur of Australia defeated Italy's Andrea Guerrieri 6-2, 6-2, 6-4. Spain's 19-year-old prospect Rafael Jodar made quick work of China's Bu Yunchaokete, winning 6-2, 6-1, 6-1. The round also saw a notable upset when Alex Michelsen defeated 16th seed and fellow American Brandon Nakashima 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Elsewhere, 11th seed Frances Tiafoe dispatched Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto in straight sets.
Other Key Results in the Women's Draw
Wimbledon runner-up and seventh seed Karolina Muchova cruised into the third round by conceding just one game in a 6-1, 6-0 win against Katie Boulter. Meanwhile, 11th seed Marta Kostyuk eliminated 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens with a 6-1, 7-5 victory, highlighting a day of dominant performances across the draw.
