Aryna Sabalenka jokingly told crowds at the US Open that if she were them, she ‘would have just left the stadium’ after faults in her first-round match.

World No. 2 Sabalenka put on a dominant display against Maryna Zanevska in the opening round of the New York major, defeating the Belgian No. 112 in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. This was Zanevska’s last competitive match before retiring.

Although Sabalenka’s victory was a comfortable one, as many had predicted it would be, the Belarusian struggled with the heat throughout the match.

"It was tough… tough start it was so humid, I mean I couldn’t hold my racket so I’m really glad I was able to get through the situation and get this win. I think she played unbelievable match. She [Zanevska] fought till the end and I’m just super happy with the win," she said during her on-court interview after the match.

The 25-year-old analyzed her game some more, saying she was glad to have improved as the match went on.

"I think I’m the most pleased with my focus that no matter what, I was able to focus on myself and not on the score and just keep doing keep trying to find my rhythm, my game. Hopefully, I’ll do better with every game," she said.

Sabalenka also wished her opponent well in her life post-retirement.

"I felt so sorry for her and I think she played great match and this is… I mean this a great match to finish her career and I wish she could play many more years but it is how it is and I wish her all the best in her next chapter," she added.

Despite her improvement and commanding win, Sabalenka also thanked the crowd for being patient with her as she struggled with double-faults.

"Thank you guys for keep staying," she told them, before jokingly adding,"If I would be you, after the third double fault, I would just leave this stadium. So thank you so much for staying and being patient."

Sabalenka will face Britain's Jodie Burrage in the second round of the US Open.