Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open with a hard-fought victory over Clara Tauson. The world number one overcame a challenging match, winning 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 at Melbourne Park. Despite the final score suggesting a straightforward win, Sabalenka admitted it was far from simple. She confessed to experiencing doubts throughout the encounter, saying, “So many times I was thinking, ‘OK, I am done’.”
During the match, Sabalenka found herself trailing 3-5 in the opening set before rallying to secure it in a tiebreak. Her resilience was evident as she later described the mental fortitude required to stay competitive against the 42nd-ranked Danish player. Sabalenka, who has spoken openly about the emotional hurdles she has faced in her career, highlighted the importance of mental toughness, stating, “Over the years, I struggle a lot with different stuff… all of those difficult experiences make me a really, really tough person.”
Sabalenka’s determination was fueled by her desire to fulfill her childhood dreams, bolstered by the support of fans and her team. As she prepares to face 17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva in the next round, Sabalenka acknowledges the strength of her opponent, noting their recent encounters on the tour. Andreeva, seeded 14th, secured her place in the fourth round with a victory over Poland’s Magdalena Frech. Sabalenka’s win continues her quest for a third consecutive Australian Open title, keeping her championship hopes alive.