US Open 2025: Aryna Sabalenka, Ben Shelton advance to third round in straight sets

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and American crowd favorite Ben Shelton advanced to the third round of the US Open on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, both delivering straight-set victories that underlined their form and intent at the year's final Grand Slam.

Defending champion Sabalenka was tested early in her 7-6(4), 6-2 win over unseeded Russian Polina Kudermetova. The Belarusian looked unsettled at the start, saving four break points before surrendering her serve in the opening game. Kudermetova, who lost to Sabalenka in the Brisbane final earlier this year, tried to replicate that early success but faltered at crucial moments.

Sabalenka responded with her trademark aggression, immediately breaking back and eventually seizing control of the first-set tiebreak. A sharp crosscourt winner gave her the edge, and Kudermetova's forehand error handed over the set. The Russian, ranked 67th in the world, aggravated a leg issue and struggled to maintain rhythm in the second. Despite some resistance, her unforced errors piled up, allowing Sabalenka to move ahead 3-1 and close out the match in just under two hours. Sabalenka, chasing a third US Open crown, will next face Canadian Leylah Fernandez, the 2021 finalist, in what promises to be a high-energy battle.

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On Thursday night, Ben Shelton gave American fans plenty to cheer about with a commanding 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 win over Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta. Playing in front of an electric Flushing Meadows crowd during one of the late matches, Shelton fed off the atmosphere, mixing booming serves with fearless shot-making.

The 21-year-old, who reached the semifinals here in 2023, was in control throughout, breaking Carreno Busta's serve five times while maintaining composure in the key moments. His athleticism and flair drew roars from the stands, cementing his status as one of the most exciting young players on tour.

In his on-court interview, Shelton paid tribute to the crowd that had backed him loudly through the night session. "It's amazing. It feels like home," he said. "It's an electric atmosphere, and it's the one tournament that's all about the fans, the energy, the passion for sports. This is just a city that never sleeps I appreciate you guys coming out, and I'm definitely not done."

With Sabalenka and Shelton both advancing confidently, the stage is set for even bigger challenges in the coming rounds as the US Open enters its crucial second week.