Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus performs a backhand return to Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine throughout their third spherical match on the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, on January 19, 2024.
| Picture Credit score: AP
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka reached the fourth spherical of the Australian Open on Friday with a 6-0, 6-0 demolition of Lesia Tsurenko.
The second-seeded Belarusian, who gained her first Grand Slam title right here 12 months in the past, wanted simply 52 minutes for victory on the Rod Laver Enviornment. She has dropped simply six video games in three rounds to date.
“Final yr, Iga (Swiatek) gained so many units 6-0 and this is among the targets, to attempt to get nearer to her,” Sabalenka joked. “I am simply super-happy with the extent I am taking part in to date. Hopefully, I can simply maintain going like that and even higher.” The pair didn’t shake fingers — as is the conference for Ukrainian gamers towards opponents from Russia or Belarus — however Tsurenko congratulated Sabalenka verbally.
Sabalenka will play Amanda Anisimova, who continued her comeback with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Paula Badosa. Anisimova, who took seven months out of the sport final yr for psychological well being causes, hit 40 winners on her method to the fourth spherical.
“It is fairly unbelievable,” the American mentioned. “For positive taking a step away from the sport … gave me a brand new perspective. I am making an attempt to be within the current. I believe previously I used to be getting too caught up previously and the longer term.” Sabalenka mentioned she expects a troublesome battle towards Anisimova, who has gained 4 of their 5 matches.
“She’s an unimaginable participant and I am actually pleased to see her again,” Sabalenka mentioned.
Males’s No. 4 Jannik Sinner moved into the fourth spherical with out shedding a set, because of a dominant 6-0, 6-1, 6-3 victory over Sebastian Baez.
The Italian gained 18 of 25 factors on the web as he arrange a fourth-round conflict with both Fifteenth-seeded Karen Khachanov or Tomas Machac.
No. 4 Coco Gauff continues her quest for a second successive slam title when she performs one other American, Alycia Parks, afterward Friday.
Males’s champion Novak Djokovic is in evening motion for the third match in a row, taking over Tomas Martin Etcheverry, whereas Alex de Minaur, Australia’s huge hope, performs Flavio Cobolli of Italy.
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