On Wednesday, the US Open faced steamy conditions that tested the players' resolve, but defending champions Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff managed to advance to the third round. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka celebrated her victory by taking photos with a mini version of herself.
Sweat-soaked 24-times Grand Slam champion Djokovic appeared uncomfortable under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium and had to fight back from 2-4 in the second set before fellow Serb Laslo Djere retired injured at 6-4 6-4 2-0. Djokovic expressed his disappointment, saying, "It's not what we want. It's not what the crowd wants, to see a walkover." He acknowledged Djere's struggle with injuries and praised his opponent's skills, especially in such conditions.
German fourth seed Alexander Zverev quickly dispatched Frenchman Alexandre Muller 6-4 7-6(5) 6-1 on Louis Armstrong Stadium, expressing relief at finishing in three sets due to the difficult weather conditions. American Madison Keys also had a swift victory, cruising past Australian qualifier Maya Joint 6-4 6-0 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vomited on court during his five-set win over Francisco Cerundolo, while other players resorted to ice towels and energy drinks during changeovers. Last year's finalist Sabalenka, accustomed to hot and humid conditions as a Miami resident, easily won her match 6-3 6-1 over Italian Lucia Bronzetti. She celebrated by taking pictures with a young fan dressed similarly to her.
Gauff showed strong form, overcoming early mistakes to defeat unseeded German Tatjana Maria 6-4 6-0. Three-times runner-up Victoria Azarenka battled through a migraine to beat Clara Burel 6-1 6-4. Zheng Qinwen of China faced a tough challenge from Russian 20-year-old Erika Andreeva before prevailing 6-7(3) 6-1 6-2. Sixth seed Andrey Rublev recovered from dropping the first two sets to secure a 4-6 5-7 6-1 6-2 6-2 victory, while eighth seed Casper Ruud was pushed to the limit by Gael Monfils.
The evening match on Grandstand was suspended midway due to a lightning warning, but Ruud eventually completed a 6-4 6-2 2-6 7-6(3) win. Taylor Fritz represented the American men well, easily defeating Matteo Berrettini 6-3 7-6(1) 6-1, following Frances Tiafoe's advancement and Ben Shelton's win over Roberto Bautista Agut 6-3 6-4 6-4.
