World number one Naomi Osaka fought off Magda Linette 6-2 6-4 to reach the third round at the US Open.
The defending champion had to fend off a second set charge from the Pole to reach the last 32 in New York for a second consecutive year.
After a stern test in the first round, there was more confidence about Osaka as she searches for a third grand slam title.
Next for Osaka is either Coco Gauff or Timea Babos.
After a tricky opening match against Blinkova, the Japanese player was looking to produce a more emphatic display ahead of her title defence.
Although there were early signs that this wasn’t go to be easy as Linette showed her aggressive intentions early in the match.
However the world number one used her serve to dictate the pole and began to make Linette run around the court, with Osaka’s power on full display.
Two consecutive breaks of serve, thanks to some good angles from the ground, gave the two-time grand slam champion the first set in 31 minutes.
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There was no counting Linette out of the match just yet though especially given her run to the title in Bronx the week before the US Open.
Some aggressive forehands and unforced errors from Osaka handed the world number 53 a comfortable 3-0 lead in the second set.
It was clear Osaka’s concentration and intensity had dropped as she conceded two more break points, giving the Pole a chance for a double break lead.
But the best players in the world always find a way to weather the storm and after saving break points, the top seed stormed to five games in a row.
A really disappointing second half of the set from Linette, with a catalogue of errors handed the defending champion the chance to seal the win.
The opportunity was taken as a comfortable service hold sealed her place in the last 32 in New York. After finally finding her confidence and groove, the Japanese player will look to continue the momentum when she plays Coco Gauff or Timea Babos in the third round.
