In a hard-fought clash on Rod Laver Arena, two-time defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka booked her spot in the fourth round with a 7-6(5), 6-4 victory over Denmark’s Clara Tauson. The match featured erratic early serving from both players, with seven consecutive service breaks to open the contest.
Despite the shaky start, top-ranked Sabalenka maintained her composure to extend some remarkable streaks. The win marked her eighth consecutive match victory to begin the 2025 season, following her title run at the Brisbane International earlier this month. It was also her 17th straight win at Melbourne Park, dating back to her maiden Australian Open triumph in 2023.
The Belarusian star has been a model of consistency at the majors, reaching at least the fourth round of every Grand Slam event she has contested since the 2022 French Open. Her ability to navigate tough matches and tricky conditions has been a hallmark of her success.
Overcoming Adversity
Both Sabalenka and Tauson struggled mightily on serve in the heavy conditions. After trading breaks in the opening five games, Tauson finally held to nose ahead 5-3. But when serving for the set at 5-4, the Dane was broken once more, sending the opener to a tiebreak.
The conditions are really tough to serve, heavy conditions. It was really important to get all of those breaks back. It could have gone either way.
– Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka’s superior experience and poise shone through in the breaker as she edged ahead to pocket the first set in 63 minutes. An early break in the second set put the defending champion firmly in the driver’s seat, and she held her nerve to close out the win in straight sets.
Marching On
With her back-to-back titles at the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024, Sabalenka is seeking to become the first woman to complete a three-peat at the event since Martina Hingis achieved the feat from 1997-99. Her path doesn’t get any easier, with a potential fourth round clash against in-form Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova looming.
- Pavlyuchenkova looked sharp in dispatching Laura Siegemund 6-1, 6-2 earlier on Friday
- The Russian veteran ousted Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen in the second round
As the second week of the year’s first major beckons, Sabalenka knows she will need to raise her level to navigate the mounting challenges. But if her gutsy performance against Tauson is any indication, the top seed has the fortitude and fighting spirit to go the distance once again at Melbourne Park.
That was a great battle, she played unbelievable tennis. I am super happy I was able to push myself. I told myself, ‘well girl, you are tough.’
– Aryna Sabalenka
With her sights set firmly on a historic three-peat, Sabalenka marches into the second week brimming with belief and determined to etch her name even more indelibly into the Australian Open record books. As the stakes continue to rise, the Belarusian’s mettle will surely be tested. But if the early rounds are any indication, Sabalenka appears poised to meet those challenges head-on as she chases yet another glittering prize on the blue courts of Melbourne Park.
