Sabalenka, Shelton march into US Open third round

New Delhi: Reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka overcame a tough start to win 7-6(4) 6-2 against unseeded Polina Kudermetova to advance to the third round of US Open.

In their second head-to-head meeting, World No.1 Sabalenka was put under pressure early on but managed to find a way through.

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"The first set was super tight and super aggressive. I felt like it was more about the serve and first shot. It was super quick," Sabalenka said.

"The second set felt much better on the return game. I'm really glad that I stayed strong in that first set."

Top seed Sabalenka had to save four break points and a dropped service game but made a recovery to take a 3-1 lead in the tiebreak.

World number 67 Kudermetova then hit a forehand wide as Sabalenka won the opening set and then broke her 22-year-old opponent early in the next.

Kudermetova then received treatment on her leg but couldn't break back as her Belarusian opponent held form to set up a clash with 2021 runner-up Canaa's Leylah Fernandez.

Sablanka had met Fernandez in the semi-finals four years ago.

"I know if I'm able to bring my game and fight for every point, I'll have my chances," Sabalenka added.

"All I try to do is focus on myself and bring the best fight possible every time I'm out here playing in front of you all."

Ben Shelton closed in on Taylor Fritz in race to become the No. 1 American tennis player during the US Open.

World No.5 Shelton defeated 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 Spain's on Pablo Carreno Busta at the Louis Armstrong Stadium to come within 95 points of No. 4 Fritz in the ATP live rankings race to season finale in Turin.

"I feel like I played well and I was happy with how I played the big points. It was an electric atmosphere. This is the one tournament that is all about the fans and their energy and passion for the sport," Shelton said.