Aryna Sabalenka required just over an hour to seal has place in the last 32 of the Australian Open after easing her way past qualifier Brenda Fruhvirtova.
The second seed produced an impressive service performance throughout her 6-3, 6-2, win over the 16-year-old Czech. After encountering some stern resistance earlier on in the match, Sabalenka soon found her footing to dominate proceedings in The Rod Laver Area. Dropping just three points behind her serve during the second set. It is the 12th Grand Slam in a row that she has reached the third round or better.
Whilst the victory appeared to be one-sided, the world No.2 has high praise for Fruhvirtova who was playing a top 10 player for only the third time in her career. The youngster is one of three 16-year-olds in the women’s draw at Melbourne Park this year.
“I think for somebody who is 16 years old she is doing an incredible job,” Sabalenka said in tribute to her opponent.
“I wish I was at this level when I was 16. She’s an unbelievable player and I’m pretty sure that she will keep working and be at the top soon.
“I’m super happy with the win. I just tried to focus on myself and not anything else. I just tried to fight for every point.
Although Fruhvirtova isn’t the only rising star to impress Sabalenka. She also spoke highly of Mirra Andreeva who produced a shock 6-0, 6-2, win over sixth seed Ons Jabeur. The two could potentially lock horns in the tournament if they both reach the quarter-final stage.
“Mirra is an incredible player, we have played a couple of times. She’s another teenager who is definitely going to be at the top,” she commented.
Sabalenka is bidding to become the first woman in a decade to win back-to-back Australian Open titles. In the next round, she will play either 28th seed Lesia Tsurenko or Rebeka Masarova.
