NEW DELHI: Reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka launched her bid for a third consecutive Australian Open crown with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over 2017 US Open winner Sloane Stephens on Sunday.
Despite a brief first-set wobble, the Belarusian top seed completed the win in 71 minutes at Rod Laver Arena, aiming to emulate Martina Hingis's three-peat from 1997-99.
"Always tough matches against her," Sabalenka reflected. "I didn't play my best, probably, but I'm glad I was able to close the match in two sets."
Elsewhere, storms wreaked havoc at Melbourne Park, halting play on outside courts for over six hours, leaving only the stadiums with roofs—Rod Laver, Margaret Court, and John Cain—hosting uninterrupted action.
Olympic champion and fifth seed Zheng Qinwenovercame a rusty start, defeating Anca Todoni 7-6 (7/3), 6-1. Zheng attributed her uneven play to skipping warm-up events.
Norway’s sixth seed Casper Ruud battled for a five-set win over Jaume Munar, prevailing 6-3, 1-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 in a rollercoaster match.
In a stunning comeback, the Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori saved two match points to beat Thiago Monteiro 4-6, 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3.
The 17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva and 14th seed eased past Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-3 and expressed relief at playing indoors during the rain.
Other notable winners included Paula Badosa, Donna Vekic, Leylah Fernandez, and Arthur Fils, who endured four sets against Otto Virtanen.
The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the ...
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