On Friday, Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner firmly asserted their claims to the Australian Open crown, charging into the fourth round while a subpar Novak Djokovic readied himself for yet another rigorous test.
On Friday, Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner strongly underlined their Australian Open title claims, moving into the fourth round as a subpar Novak Djokovic prepared for another test. Coco Gauff, the US Open champion, also signaled her determination with a 6-0, 6-2 thrashing, while 16-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva continued her dream run with a dramatic comeback against France’s Diane Parry. Belarusian defending champion Sabalenka cruised to a 6-0, 6-0 victory over 28th seed Lesia Tsurenko on Rod Laver Arena, while Sinner defeated Sebastian Baez, ranked 29, in just four games.
Amanda Anisimova, a rejuvenated former teen prodigy, won 7-5, 6-4 on day six at Melbourne Park, stopping Paula Badosa’s injury comeback.
Anisimova, who has been sidelined for eight months owing to exhaustion and mental health difficulties, faces Sabalenka next and will need to up her game to have a chance.
The second seed, who won her first Grand Slam title in Melbourne last year, has lost only six games in three dominant matches thus far.
Wearing bright red, she dominated Ukraine’s Tsurenko on Rod Laver Arena, winning in 52 minutes.
“Last year (world number one) Iga (Swiatek) won so many sets 6-0 and this is one of the goals,” she added. “I’m attempting to become more intimate with her.
“I’m super happy with the level I’m playing at so far and hopefully I can keep going like that or even better.”
After surprising everyone by making it to the Roland Garros semifinals and winning her maiden WTA championship at the age of 17, Anisimova shocked even herself by defeating former world number two Badosa.
“I’m feeling really good after taking some time off, which is quite unbelievable,” the now 22-year-old American stated.The fourth seed Sinner finished 2023 in the best shape of his life, which helped him enter the first Grand Slam of the year.
