Aryna Sabalenka might be the reigning Australian Open champion and world number 1, but even she couldn’t help but poke fun at herself after her latest victory in sweltering conditions. The Belarusian powerhouse easily defeated Mirra Andreeva in just over an hour, showing her dominance while joking that the heat is harder to deal with “the older I get.” »
Sabalenka’s brilliant performance
Under the scorching Australian sun on Rod Laver Arena, Sabalenka crushed 16-year-old Andreeva with a relentless 6-1, 6-2 victory. The match, lasting just 62 minutes, was a masterclass in aggressive tennis as Sabalenka unleashed her signature power play to overwhelm her opponent.
In her post-match interview with Jelena Dokic, Sabalenka joked about the conditions. “Well, you know, I’m getting older, and I’m actually not sure if this is good for me,” she joked, drawing cheers from the crowd. Despite his humor, Sabalenka left no doubt that he was prepared to face whatever Melbourne might throw at him.
“Sweeping like a rocket”
Sabalenka’s ability to adapt to conditions was on full display. She noted that the heat made the balls lighter and the court faster, transforming her already aggressive game into an unstoppable force.
“The day before was so difficult, the ball was heavy, and I had to swing really hard,” she said. “Today I was just trying to return the ball, and it was flying like a rocket, you know? »
-Sabalenka, visibly satisfied with her performance, added: “I am super happy with my level. I hope the conditions remain in my favor for the rest of the tournament. »
An imminent clash with Pavlyuchenkova
With her place in the quarterfinals assured, Sabalenka now faces Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, a player who has a surprising 2-1 advantage in their previous matchups. However, the two haven’t met since 2021, and a lot has changed since then. Pavlyuchenkova, currently ranked 32nd in the world, managed to return to her level after a difficult period, setting the stage for a thrilling battle.
Sabalenka remains unfazed by the history books. With three Grand Slam titles to her name and a firm hold on the world No. 1 ranking, she is focused on defending her Australian Open title.
The queen of power tennis
Sabalenka’s combination of raw power, mental toughness and adaptability makes her a force to be reckoned with. As she progresses through the tournament, the question is not just whether anyone can stop her, but whether the tennis world is witnessing the continued dominance of a powerful champion in her prime.
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