Swiatek Storms into US Open Third Round, Rybakina Withdraws Due to Injury

Top seed Iga Swiatek showcased her dominance at the US Open, cruising into the third round with a commanding victory over Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara. The world number one dropped just one game in the match, delivering a near-flawless performance to secure a 6-0, 6-1 win in just 65 minutes.

Swiatek, 23, who has already claimed five major titles, demonstrated why she is the tournament's top seed, not facing a single break point throughout the encounter. Shibahara managed to hold serve early in the second set, narrowly avoiding the infamous "double bagel" against the Polish star, but was ultimately overpowered by Swiatek's relentless play.

In contrast, fourth seed Elena Rybakina's US Open journey came to an abrupt end as the former Wimbledon champion withdrew from her second-round match against France's Jessika Ponchet due to injuries. The withdrawal handed the world number 143 a walkover into the next round.

Rybakina expressed her disappointment in a statement, saying, "I did not want to finish the last Grand Slam of the year this way, but I have to listen to my body, and I hope I can close out the remainder of the year strong."

Ponchet will now face two-time US Open runner-up Caroline Wozniacki, who is making a remarkable comeback after injury struggles. The Danish veteran overcame Mexico's Renata Zarazua with a 6-3, 6-3 victory to advance to the third round, continuing her impressive return to form.

In other action, Italy's fifth seed Jasmine Paolini progressed to the next round after former finalist Karolina Pliskova retired just three points into their match. Pliskova, the 2016 runner-up, was 30-15 down in the first game when she pulled up with an injury. Despite receiving medical treatment for her foot, the Czech player was unable to continue and limped off Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Paolini, who reached the finals at both the French Open and Wimbledon this year, will face Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva in the third round, as she looks to continue her strong run at this year's US Open.