The top-ranked player in the world secured an impressive victory with minimal resistance, dropping only three games against Mirra Andreeva. This win marked her eighteenth consecutive triumph in Melbourne, a feat she celebrated by taking a polaroid snapshot on court. The two-time defending champion of the Australian Open showcased her dominance once again, reaching her third consecutive quarterfinal on Rod Laver Arena. Sabalenka's performance was both swift and efficient, defeating the No. 14 seed in just 62 minutes. Her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis joined her in this unique tradition, collecting these moments for an art installation they plan to create together.
Aryna Sabalenka's journey at the Australian Open has been nothing short of spectacular. After facing a challenging match against Clara Tauson in the third round, the Belarusian player found her rhythm against Andreeva. Despite having lost to Andreeva at Roland Garros last spring, Sabalenka managed to overcome her opponent with remarkable ease. She struck 15 winners and committed only 11 unforced errors, breaking serve four times over the course of the match. One of the most critical moments came when Andreeva held three break points in the second set, but Sabalenka saved all of them, propelling herself towards victory.
The conditions on the court were notably different from her previous match. Sabalenka mentioned that the ball seemed to fly faster due to the heat, which helped her maintain her focus and momentum. "I was just trying to put the ball back and it felt like the ball was flying like a rocket," she remarked. Her fans, dressed in Tiger-themed attire, added to the excitement, cheering her on throughout the match. Sabalenka took the opportunity to acknowledge their support, emphasizing her desire to inspire others through her hard work and perseverance.
With three challenges standing between her and history, Sabalenka aims to become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-1999) to achieve a hat trick of Australian Open titles. Her determination and resilience have made her a role model for many, and she hopes that her journey will encourage others to overcome their own challenges. As she advances to the quarterfinals, the world watches eagerly to see if she can etch her name into the annals of tennis history with another unforgettable moment.