Spectacle at the Australian Open: Sabalenka without losing a set, child prodigy continues to inspire

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Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka remains undaunted on her way to defending her title at the Australian Open. The Belarusian confidently advanced into the round of 16 on Friday, giving 28th seed Ukrainian Lesya Tsurenko no chance with a 6-0, 6-0 win in just 52 minutes.

Sabalenka (25), who won her only Grand Slam title to date in Melbourne a year ago, is in top form at the first major tournament of the year and has not lost a set in three matches. “I am super happy with the level I am currently playing,” said Sabalenka: “Hopefully I can keep this up.”

Child prodigy Adrejewa on the rise

In the round of 16, the world number two will meet American Amanda Anisimova, who impressed last year on her return to the Grand Slam stage after mental problems, beating Spain’s Paula Badosa 7:5, 6:4.

Child prodigy Mirra Andrejewa also continues to inspire. The 16-year-old Russian was close to elimination against the French Diane Parry, but when she was 1:5 behind in the third set and had a match point against her, she made a phenomenal comeback and won 1:6, 6:1 , 7:6 (10:5).

Andrejewa, who eliminated world number six Ons Jabeur with an excellent performance in the second round, reached the eighth finals for the second time at a Grand Slam. There she will meet ninth-seeded Czech Barbora Krejcikova or Australian Storm Hunter.

Meanwhile, US Open champion Coco Gauff showed no weakness and reached the next round with an easy 6:0, 6:2 against her American compatriot Alycia Parks.

Favorite sinner remains merciless

Among the men, Jannik Sinner has once again underlined his title ambitions at the Australian Open. Cheered on by his “Carota Boys” in the stands, the Italian Davis Cup champion entered the round of 16 with a 6-0, 6-1, 6-3 victory against Argentinian Sebastian Baez. The fourth in the world rankings has been in top form in Melbourne so far and has not yet lost a set.

“I feel very good here,” said Sinner, who had to play again around lunchtime: “I always play at 12 noon, in Italy it is still night. Thank you to everyone still watching.”

At the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, Sinner is one of the biggest favorites, his best result in Australia is reaching the quarter-finals in 2022. In the round of 16 he will meet the Russian Karen Khachanow.

Last year’s finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas also handled his task in the third round with confidence. The Greek number seven in the world defeated Frenchman Luca Van Assche 6:3, 6:0, 6:4 and now faces twelfth-seeded American Taylor Fritz. (AFP/men)

Source : Blick