In the latest round of the Australian Open, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka made a dominant statement by breezing into the fourth round without dropping a single game. The second seed showcased her skill and determination as she handed out a 'double bagel' to her opponent Lesia Tsurenko, winning the match 6-0 6-0 in just 52 minutes. Sabalenka's victory marked her first flawless win at the pro tour level, and she is now one step closer to reaching her goal of emulating the sets won by last year's champion, Iga Swiatek.
Sabalenka, who earned her first Grand Slam title in Australia last year, expressed her delight with her performance, stating, 'I'm just super-happy with the level I'm playing so far. Hopefully, I can just keep going like that or even better.' Her impressive form has made her a force to be reckoned with in the tournament, and she aims to continue her winning streak.
Another highlight of the Australian Open was the spectacular comeback of 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva. After defeating Ons Jabeur in the previous round, the Russian teenager found herself facing a challenging situation against Diane Parry. Trailing 5-1 in the third set and on the verge of defeat, Andreeva displayed immense resilience and saved a match point to claim an extraordinary 1-6 6-1 7-6 (10-5) victory, securing her place in the fourth round on her senior debut.
Andreeva's impressive performance caught the attention of tennis legend Andy Murray, who took to social media to express his admiration for her. The young player was left stunned and grateful for Murray's support, stating, 'Honestly, I will try to print it out somehow. I don't know; I will put it in a frame. I will bring it everywhere with me. I will maybe put it on the wall so I can see it every day.' Murray's encouragement holds great significance for Andreeva and serves as a reminder of her accomplishments.
Despite her age limiting her tournament participation to 12 events per year, Andreeva has consistently showcased her talent and determination. She reached the fourth round at Wimbledon last year and is currently closing in on the top 30 in the rankings. Her remarkable progress at such a young age promises a bright future in the world of tennis.
In another exciting match, American player Coco Gauff demonstrated her exceptional skills as she defeated Alycia Parks in a straightforward 6-0 6-2 victory. Gauff played an almost flawless game, making only eight unforced errors compared to Parks' 34. The 17-year-old rising star displayed her dominance on the court, maintaining control of the match from start to finish. Gauff expressed her satisfaction with her performance, saying, 'I'm really happy with how I played. She's a tough player. She hits the ball big.'
The Australian Open continues to provide thrilling moments and fierce competition as the tournament progresses. With defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and rising stars like Mirra Andreeva and Coco Gauff showcasing their skills, the coming rounds promise to be captivating for tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
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