NEW YORK : An error-prone Aryna Sabalenka overcame her early struggles on serve to overpower unseeded Belgian Maryna Zanevska 6-3 6-2 on Tuesday and move into the second round of the U.S.
Open.Twice New York semi-finalist Sabalenka, who is bidding to win her second Grand Slam title and leapfrog Iga Swiatek into top spot in the world rankings, was nowhere near her best but showed composure when it mattered most in a tricky contest.The Australian Open champion made a shaky start with five double faults to drop serve twice, but Ukrainian-born Zanevska was unable to capitalise on both occasions to let her second-seeded opponent off the hook."First of all I want to thank you guys for staying because if I would be you, after the third double fault I'd leave the stadium.
Thank you for being patient," Sabalenka, who made 23 unforced errors, told the crowd later."It was a tough start, it was so humid.
I couldn't hold my racket. I'm glad I was able to get through this situation and get this win. She played an unbelievable match and she fought till the end.