Pegula, Paolini and Medvedev ease into US Open third round

World number three Jessica Pegula produced a finely tuned performance to sprint through a second-round US Open meeting with fellow American Sofia Kenin, winning 6-3 6-1 on Wednesday.

In the first match of the day on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Pegula dropped only three of her first-serve points and never faced a break point.

The 2024 runner-up, who is seeking her maiden major title as well as top spot in the rankings, booked a meeting with 2021 finalist Leylah Fernandez, who beat Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4 6-1.

Wildcard Kenin has struggled as injuries and illness saw her tumble down the rankings after her breakthrough 2020 Australian Open win and she was never able to get a foothold in the match as she suffered yet another early exit from her domestic major.

Elsewhere, Italian 19th seed Jasmine Paolini advanced to the third round with a comfortable 6-4 6-1 victory over compatriot Lucrezia Stefanini.

Diana Shnaider held off a second-set fightback from former US Open finalist Karolina Pliskova to seal a 6-1 7-6 (4) win.

American Taylor Townsend made quick work of Australia's Taylah Preston, earning a 6-1 6-1 victory to reach the third round.

On the men's side, former champion Daniil Medvedev came through a testing third set after cruising through the opening two to seal a 6-1 6-3 7-5 victory over American Sebastian Gorzny in just over two hours.