How Did Sabalenka Breeze into the Australian Open Third Round?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has demonstrated her dominance at the Australian Open by swiftly advancing to the third round. With a decisive victory over Bai Zhuoxuan, this two-time champion is on track to make a significant impact this season. Discover more about her journey and what’s next in this exciting tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Aryna Sabalenka dominates with a swift victory.
- She has reached the third round for six consecutive years.
- Sabalenka's 25th win as World No. 1 adds to her legacy.
- Her next opponent will be a significant challenge.
- Elina Svitolina also continues her strong performance.
Melbourne, Jan 21 (NationPress) Aryna Sabalenka, ranked World No. 1, advanced effortlessly to the third round of the Australian Open after defeating Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan with a score of 6-3, 6-1 in just 32 minutes on Wednesday.
This match marked the inaugural encounter between Sabalenka and the former World No. 83, Bai, who has faced numerous injuries in the past year and entered the tournament ranked a lowly No. 702.
With this victory, Sabalenka achieved her 25th singles match win as the World No. 1, making her the sixth player since 2000 to reach this milestone, joining the ranks of legends like Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Justine Henin, Ash Barty, and Iga Swiatek.
The two-time champion recorded her seventh straight victory to kick off 2026 smoothly. She has now reached the third round of the Australian Open for six consecutive years. Along with her 7-0 start this year, she boasts a perfect 7-0 record in second-round matches in Melbourne.
Initially, Bai struggled to find her rhythm, quickly falling behind 0-5 within the first 15 minutes.
Though she managed to score with a couple of aces, Sabalenka's control over the opening set briefly faltered when she was broken while serving for the set.
Having successfully defended 25 of 38 break points in the qualifying rounds and first round, Bai battled through another three in a grueling near-10-minute game before Sabalenka regained her momentum, as reported by Australian Open coverage.
Despite her initial struggles, Sabalenka surged to a 4-0 lead in the second set, and her tenacity in adhering to her game plan allowed her to secure the win in 74 minutes, setting up a third-round showdown against either 28th seed Emma Raducanu or Anastasia Potapova.
In other news, Elina Svitolina continued her strong start to the 2026 season with a second-round victory of 7-5, 6-1 against Linda Klimovicova.
Svitolina will face another unfamiliar opponent, Diana Shnaider, in the third round, marking the first guaranteed seeded matchup of the tournament.
Shnaider made a remarkable comeback to win against Australian wildcard Talia Gibson, overcoming two match points to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
Point of View
I believe Aryna Sabalenka's performance at the Australian Open reflects her dedication and skill. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure exemplifies the qualities of a champion. The tournament is shaping up to be thrilling, with promising matches ahead. We will continue to support our athletes as they strive for excellence.
NationPress
22/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Aryna Sabalenka defeat to reach the third round?
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan with a score of 6-3, 6-1.
How many match wins does Sabalenka have as World No. 1?
Sabalenka has achieved 25 singles match wins as the World No. 1.
What is Sabalenka's current winning streak?
Sabalenka is currently on a seven-match winning streak to start 2026.
Who will Sabalenka face next in the tournament?
Sabalenka is set to face either 28th seed Emma Raducanu or Anastasia Potapova in the third round.
What was notable about Bai Zhuoxuan's ranking?
Bai Zhuoxuan entered the tournament ranked No. 702 after struggling with injuries last year.
