Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka quickly reached the round of 16 at the Australian Open.
The world number two from Belarus outclassed the Ukrainian Lessia Zurenko 6-0, 6-0 in Melbourne on Friday (January 19, 2024) and was again in impressive form. After just 52 minutes the completely one-sided game in the Rod Laver Arena was already over. In the first round, Sabalenka was merciless against the German qualifier Ella Seidel and won 6:0, 6:1.
“I’m just super happy with the level I’m playing at the moment. I hope I can maintain it or maybe even play better,” said Sabalenka. In the round of 16 she will now face the American Amanda Anisimova, who impressed on her return to the Grand Slam stage after mental problems last year and defeated the Spaniard Paula Badosa 7:5, 6:4.
3rd round women arrow right 3rd round men arrow right
Sinner continues to be in top form
Among the men, co-favorite Jannik Sinner has once again underlined his title ambitions. Cheered on by his “Carota Boys” in the stands, the Italian Davis Cup champion moved into the round of 16 with a 6-0, 6-1, 6-3 win against Argentinian Sebastian Baez. The fourth in the world rankings has been in top form in Melbourne so far and has not lost a set yet.
“I feel very good here,” said Sinner, who had to play again at lunchtime: “I always play at 12 p.m., in Italy it is still night. Thanks to everyone who is still watching.” At the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, Sinner is one of the closest favorites; his best result in Australia is reaching the quarter-finals in 2022. In the round of 16 he will face the Russian Karen Chatschanow or Tomas Machac from the Czech Republic.
Last year’s finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas also solved his third round task confidently. The Greek world number seven beat Frenchman Luca Van Assche 6:3, 6:0, 6:4 and will now face twelfth seeded American Taylor Fritz.
