Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has the Australian Open quickly reached the round of 16. Among the men, co-favorite Jannik Sinner continues without losing a set.
The world number two from Belarus outclassed on Friday (January 19, 2024). Melbourne the Ukrainian Lessia Zurenko 6:0, 6:0 and was once again in impressive form. After just 52 minutes before the completely one-sided game Rod Laver Arena already over again. In the first round, Sabalenka was merciless against the German qualifier Ella Seidel and won 6:0, 6:1.
“I’m just super happy with the level I’m playing at the moment. I hope I can maintain it or maybe even play better,” Sabalenka said. In the round of 16 she will now face the American Amanda Anisimova, who will be playing on her return Grand Slamstage after mental problems last year and defeated the Spaniard Paula Badosa 7:5, 6:4.
Gauff also goes one lap further
It also continues to be in top form US Open champion Coco Gauff. The 19-year-old American easily defeated her compatriot Alycia Parks 6:0, 6:2. “I’m very happy with the way I’m playing so far”said Gauff.
Sinner continues to be in top form
Among the men, co-favorite Jannik Sinner has once again underlined his title ambitions. Fired up by his “Carota Boys” the Italian drew in the stands Davis Cup champion with a 6:0, 6:1, 6:3 against the Argentinian Sebastian Baez into the round of 16. The fourth in the world rankings has been in top form in Melbourne so far and has not lost a set yet.
“I feel very good here”said Sinner, who had to answer again at lunchtime: “I always play at 12 p.m., in Italy it’s still night. Thanks to everyone who’s still watching.” At the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, Sinner is one of the closest favorites; his best result in Australia is reaching the quarter-finals in 2022. In the round of 16 he will face the Russian Karen Chatschanow or Tomas Machac from the Czech Republic.
Last year’s finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas also solved his third round task confidently. The Greek world number seven beat Frenchman Luca Van Assche 6:3, 6:0, 6:4 and will now face twelfth seeded American Taylor Fritz.