Sabalenka, who has but to lose a match in 2026, will face Anastasia Potapova within the third spherical at Melbourne Park, after the Russian-born Austrian defeated British primary Emma Raducanu.
Like Gauff, high seed Sabalenka was fast to claim herself towards an opponent ranked 701 locations under her, successful 5 consecutive video games within the first quarter-hour.
However the four-time Grand Slam champion was initially annoyed as she sought to shine off the opener, having her serve damaged earlier than being denied on her first six set factors.
With Bai’s resistance ended, Sabalenka cruised to victory. She has now received 45 of her final 50 units on the Australian Open – a report bettered solely by Steffi Graf, Martina Hingis, Monica Seles, and Serena Williams within the Open period.
“That sounds loopy and surreal, to be sincere,” Sabalenka, who received the Melbourne title in 2023 and 2024, stated.
“I simply by no means thought that individuals will examine me to those names, although I am actually distant from their achievements.
“It motivates me to maintain doing my factor. It simply means for me that I am on the suitable means.”
