US Open 2024: Aryna Sabalenka says young fan is ‘inspiration’ after second-round win, Coco Gauff through

Earlier, Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova suffered an early exit as she lost 6-4 7-5 to Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

Krejcikova became a two-time Grand Slam champion in July by adding the Wimbledon title to her triumph at the 2021 French Open.

The 28-year-old reached the quarter-final on her main-draw debut at the US Open in 2021, but has since failed to get past round two in New York.

She was outplayed by Ruse, who struck the ball confidently to set up a meeting with 26th seed Paula Badosa of Spain.

Three-time finalist Victoria Azarenka became tearful after struggling with a migraine during her 6-1 6-4 victory over Clara Burel 6-1 6-4.

Belarus’ Azarenka called for the doctor midway through the second set and said she was struggling to focus her vision with what she felt was an oncoming migraine.

She received treatment and dialled back in to secure victory, before covering her head with a towel and donning sunglasses under the stadium lights.

“It was very tough out there, I didn’t know if I could finish the match,” Azarenka, 35, said.

“I know it looks weird and awkward wearing sunglasses but I have a chronic migraine and it’s really tough to deal with.”

She will face China’s Wang Yafan for a place in the fourth round.