The last time Sabalenka and Andreeva met at a Grand Slam, it was the teenager who cruised to a 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4 victory. It was in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros last year, and there will surely be some interest in supporting Andreeva because of that. However, Sabalenka had a small stomach virus before this match. Based on this unusual circumstance, the results of their other matches, you may want to eliminate this performance.
In four other meetings with Andreeva, including a one-set match in the World Tennis League, Sabalenka is 4-0 and has not lost a single set. Additionally, each of these matches featured at least one set in which Sabalenka won 6-2. Sabalenka also came away with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Andreeva in Brisbane two weeks ago.
At the moment, it seems like Sabalenka has a little too much strength and power for Andreeva. The teenager is a world-class defensive player, but she still lacks punch on the serve and forehand. She deserves credit for doing what was necessary against Sabalenka in very slow conditions, but things are moving much faster in Melbourne, even if the courts are playing a little slower than usual.
