Victoria Azarenka has overcome a challenge from Yanina Wickmayer to seal a 7-5 6-4 victory, which has booked her spot in the third round of the US Open.

The two-time finalist suffered an early wobble as Wickmayer shocked her opponent to go a break up at the first time of asking in the opening set.

Azarenka composed herself to hold serve in her next three games and found a break of her own, but Wickmayer broke back instantly.

The former Australian Open champion converted her second break point to draw level on 5-5, and eventually took a one-set lead at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Games went by way of serve in the early stages of the second set, but Azarenka was put under pressure when Wickmayer created five break points.

However, the Belgian failed to convert and she paid the price later in the set as Azarenka snatched a vital break and looked on course to take the match.

Wickmayer delayed her opponent's success by breaking back, but Azarenka eventually saw out the contest.