It was not, a priori, a very serious threat, but there was still reason to remain vigilant for Aryna Sabalenka for her entry into the Australian Open, this Sunday, against Sloane Stephens. The American certainly no longer has the level that made her a Grand Slam winner at the 2017 US Open, due in particular to fluctuating motivation, but her talent is such, just like her pedigree, that she always inspires distrust. The Belarusian therefore took things very seriously and did what was necessary to win 6-4.
For her first Grand Slam contested as world number 1, the double title holder started very strong by breaking away 4-0 from the start, before derailing somewhat to find herself at 4-3, ball 4-4 . But she managed to break again in this marathon – and undoubtedly key – game, before resuming her march forward to advance to victory.
Sabalenka, victorious in Brisbane for her first tournament of the year, continues her perfect start to the season and will meet the Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the 2nd round. A priori, nothing to worry about.
