Aryna Sabalenka says she has to keep her eye on the ball at the Australian Open after one of her rivals in her section of the draw suffered a shock defeat.
The world No.1 sealed her place in the third round on Wednesday by defeating Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3, 7-5, in just over an hour, extending her winning streak at the tournament to 16 matches. Sabalenka was tested by the world No.54 who broke her serve three times but she managed to weather the storm.
“I’m super happy to have finished this match in straight sets,” she said afterwards.
“She played incredible tennis, especially in the second set. I’m really happy I was able to turn around that set.”
Sabalenka’s bid for a third consecutive title down under has received a boost after Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng suffered a surprise 7-6(3), 6-3, loss to Germany’s Laura Siegemund. Zheng, who was a potential quarter-final opponent for the Belarussian, blamed a lack of preparation for her exit from the tournament. She received two time violations during her match, one of which cost her a first serve.
Whilst news of a big rival being removed from her draw is a positive, Sabalenka is not getting too carried away. She believes there are many possible threats from players in the tournament who are not currently in the top 10.
“Listen, it’s a slam, you know? Not everyone can handle these emotions,” she commented.
“As you can see, there are so many players who are playing really well in these conditions. It’s not like if they’re gone, it’s easy for me. No, it’s not.
“I have to go there, I have to compete, I have to fight. Today’s match proved that. Girls can go there and just play without any fear, without anything to lose.
“They can put you in really uncomfortable positions.”
The next challenge for the top seed will be Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the third round, who recently reached the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland where she retired from the final injured. In Melbourne, she has already beaten 29th seed Linda Noskova and 2022 Wimbledon semi-finalist Tatjana Maria.
“I know that she’s a very aggressive player, serving well, hitting pretty heavy shots. It’s going to be a great battle. Really looking forward to face her for the first time.” Sabalenka commented.
Sabalenka is bidding to become the first woman to win three consecutive Australian Open titles since Martina Hingis.