Sports Mole previews Tuesday’s Australian Open quarter-final match between Aryna Sabalenka and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, including predictions, head-to-head and their tournament so far.
Fresh off an 18th consecutive victory at the Australian Open, Aryna Sabalenka aims to advance to the last four when she takes on the oldest woman left in the draw, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, in Tuesday’s quarter-final contest.
The world No. 1 may be the favourite to set up a last-four berth against Coco Gauff or Paula Badosa but will be wary of an opponent she holds a negative record against on the women’s tour.
© Imago
Despite predictions before the fourth round anticipating a close encounter, Sabalenka dispatched teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva in straight sets, sealing a 6-1, 6-2 victory in 62 minutes.
Strikingly, the top seed spent the shortest time on court against the highest-ranked opponent she has faced to avenge last season’s Roland Garros quarter-final defeat and set up a fourth meeting with Pavlyuchenkova.
That success extended the two-time defending champion’s victorious run to 18 Down Under and as many wins on hard-court majors after clinching last year’s Australian Open and US Open.
The ambition heading into the opening major of the year was a three-peat Down Under, and the 26-year-old is three wins away from emulating the last woman to achieve the feat – Martina Hingis (1997-1999) – and the first since the turn of the millennium.
Keen to improve on her 84% win rate, the top seed not only enters the quarter-final as the fresher player but also the one with momentum, evidenced by a nine-match winning streak since losing to Gauff at the WTA Finals last year.
© Imago
It will be fascinating to see if Pavlyuchenkova’s time spent on court makes the 33-year-old battle-hardened or if the mileage takes a toll.
Another potential three-setter seemed in the offing against Donna Vekic before the Croatian player’s right knee led to a one-sided second set in Sunday’s 7-6(0), 6-0 success in one hour and 45 minutes at John Cain Arena.
While the 27th seed’s previous two matches have admittedly been under two hours, three-setters against Yuan Yue and Anastasia Potapova lasting nearly two hours and three hours 30 minutes, respectively, could undermine the Russian’s aim for a first semi-final berth Down Under after making three quarter-final appearances between 2017 and 2020.
Despite reaching the French Open championship match at Roland Garros the following year before losing to Barbora Krejcikova, the 33-year-old failed to hit the previous heights in Australia, twice exiting in round one and round three before last year’s second-round elimination.
Having her best Grand Slam run since the 2023 French Open and since the 2020 tournament in Melbourne, the oldest woman left in the draw aims to stun the fancied Sabalenka, whom many are tipping for a third straight title Down Under.
Aryna Sabalenka:
First round: vs. Sloane Stephens 6-3 6-2
Second round: vs. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3 7-5
Third round: vs. Clara Tauson 7-6[5] 6-4
Round of 16: vs. Mirra Andreeva 6-1 6-2
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova:
First round: vs. Yuan Yue 6-4 4-6 6-3
Second round: vs. Anastasia Potapova 7-6[2] 2-6 6-2
Third round: vs. Laura Siegemund 6-1 6-2
Round of 16: vs. Donna Vekic 7-6[0] 6-0
French Open (2021) – Third round: Pavlyuchenkova 6-4 2-6 6-0
Madrid (2021) – Semi-final: Sabalenka 6-2 6-3
Toronto (2019) – Round of 16: Pavlyuchenkova 3-6 6-3 7-5
Pavlyuchenkova leads her head-to-head with Sabalenka 2-1, with the pair’s last meeting during the Russian’s 2021 run to the championship match at Roland Garros.
The 33-year-old is 3-7 in her recent match-ups against top-10 players, though two wins were last year against Marketa Vondrousova in Doha and Qinwen Zheng in Cincinnati – both on hard courts.
The 12-time tour champion’s only other victory over an elite player was the aforementioned triumph against Sabalenka in 2021, the last of her seven Grand Slam wins against such opponents.
Although Pavlyuchenkova’s significant power and aggressive style could pose a challenge to Sabalenka, the top seed is expected to secure her tenth consecutive victory this season and her 19th win on the trot at the Australian Open.
The Australian Open has been full of excitement so far, and one of the upcoming matches to keep an eye on is Aryna Sabalenka vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Both players have been in impressive form throughout the tournament, and this match is sure to be a thrilling contest.
Head-to-head, Sabalenka currently leads the series 3-1 over Pavlyuchenkova. However, the Russian player has been playing some of her best tennis recently and should not be underestimated.
Prediction:
This match is likely to be a close one, with both players in good form. Sabalenka’s powerful game and aggressive style may give her the edge, but Pavlyuchenkova’s experience and consistency could also prove to be crucial. In the end, we predict Sabalenka to come out on top in a hard-fought battle.
Tournament so far:
Sabalenka has been in fine form throughout the Australian Open, showcasing her immense power and shot-making abilities. She has defeated some tough opponents on her way to the quarterfinals and will be looking to continue her impressive run.
Pavlyuchenkova, on the other hand, has also been playing well, with some notable wins under her belt. She will be looking to upset the odds and continue her run in the tournament.
Overall, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two talented players, and fans can expect a high-quality contest on the courts of the Australian Open.
Tags:
#Preview #Australian #Open #Aryna #Sabalenka #Anastasia #Pavlyuchenkova #prediction #headtohead #tournament
When it comes to American opponents in Grand Slam second weeks, Zverev is probably happy just to see someone other than Taylor Fritz on the other side of the net. Fritz beat him at Wimbledon and the US Open last year; now Zverev will have a crack at Fritz’s friend Tommy Paul.
Zverev and Paul have only played twice, both times on hard courts. The bad news for the German is that he lost each of those matches. The good news is that they took place in 2020 and 2022. Since then, both of these guys have improved, Zverev especially. While Paul has been to the semis Down Under, and is now a Top 20 fixture, Zverev finished 2024 at a career-high No. 2.
Read More: American Tommy Paul reaches the Australian Open quarterfinals for the second time in three years
Each comes into this match in solid form, and seemingly fit. Since surviving a first-round five-set scare, and a potential shoulder injury, against Chris O’Connell, Paul has looked revived and re-energized, like a man playing with house money. Zverev, meanwhile, he been his usual reliable if unspectacular self, staying well under the radar and dropping just one set.
Zverev has the better serve. Paul is the better athlete. Zverev is rangier and steadier from the ground. Paul is an all-courter who uses his speed to attack and defend. He’ll need to be the guy who makes things happen, who takes chances, who creates openings. That means he’ll have to play a higher-risk game than Zverev, and at the top end of his normal level. But he has seemed up to the task so far. Winner: Paul
The Australian Open quarterfinals are set to kick off with some exciting matchups on the horizon. In this post, we’ll be previewing three of the most anticipated matches: Alexander Zverev vs. Tommy Paul, Coco Gauff vs. Paula Badosa, and Aryna Sabalenka vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
First up, we have Alexander Zverev taking on Tommy Paul. Zverev, the No. 4 seed, has been in fine form this tournament, dispatching opponents with ease. Paul, on the other hand, has had a breakthrough tournament, upsetting higher-ranked players to reach this stage. It promises to be a thrilling battle between the power of Zverev and the speed and skill of Paul.
Next, we have a clash between two rising stars in the women’s game: Coco Gauff and Paula Badosa. Gauff, just 17 years old, has shown maturity beyond her years in her performances so far. Badosa, meanwhile, has been in scintillating form, knocking out top seeds on her way to the quarterfinals. This match could go either way, with both players capable of producing some breathtaking tennis.
Lastly, we have Aryna Sabalenka taking on Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed, has been a force to be reckoned with, dominating opponents with her powerful game. Pavlyuchenkova, a seasoned veteran, has shown she still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. This match promises to be a battle of contrasting styles, with Sabalenka’s aggression going up against Pavlyuchenkova’s consistency.
Overall, these quarterfinal matchups are sure to provide plenty of drama and excitement. Be sure to tune in to see who will come out on top and secure a spot in the semifinals of the Australian Open.
Tags:
#Australian #Open #Previews #Alexander #Zverev #Tommy #Paul #Gauff #Badosa #Sabalenka #Pavlyuchenkova
Two-time Australian Open defending champion and women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will play No. 14 Mirra Andreeva this evening in the Round of 16. Last time the pair met, on the court at the 2024 French Open, the 17-year-old Andreeva managed to defeat an ill Sabalenka with a 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-4 win. This time around, however, it appears Sabalenka is in good health. The two face off tonight in Rod Laver Arena, starting around 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.
Here’s everything you need to know about tuning into the Aryna Sabalenka vs. Mirra Andreeva match, along with the full tournament schedule, where to stream the Australian Open, how to watch matches for free and more.
Date: Saturday, Jan. 18
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT
Game: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Mirra Andreeva
Location: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, AU – Rod Laver Arena
Channel: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes
Streaming: ESPN+, Sling and more
Australian Open’s defending champ Aryna Sabalenka will face Mirra Andreeva in the Fourth Round of the tournament today. The match will take place in Rod Laver Arena at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.
This evening’s Aryna Sabalenka vs. Mirra Andreeva match will stream on ESPN+. Select coverage of tonight’s Australian Open matches will also air on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
On top of airing on ESPN, this year’s Australian grand slam will stream live on ESPN+, so if you don’t want to pay for a pricey cable or streaming package that includes ESPN, this is a budget-friendly alternative. An ESPN+ subscription grants you access to exclusive ESPN+ content including live events like UFC Fight Night and F1 races, fantasy sports tools and premium ESPN+ articles. You can stream ESPN+ through an app on your smart TV, phone, tablet, computer and on ESPN.com.
While Sling doesn’t offer a free trial, it’ll get you through the entirety of the Australian Open for as low as $23 for the first month. Sling TV’s Orange plan offers ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN3. While Sling Orange doesn’t include access to your local ABC, a TV antenna may help fill that gap for you. A Sling subscription also includes 50 hours of free DVR storage, so if you’re worried about missing any of the grand slam action, you can always record your games.
Hulu’s live TV tier includes access to live TV channels ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC, plus ESPN+ and ad-supported Disney+, meaning you can watch the Australian Open across almost every channel airing coverage in the US, plus tune in via ESPN+ — and enjoy over 95 other channels. You’ll also enjoy access to unlimited DVR storage. Hulu + Live TV starts at $83/month after the free trial period.
Day matches start at 7 p.m. ET, with more matches rolling in at 8 p.m. ET, not before 9 p.m ET and not before 11 p.m. ET. Night sessions start at 3 a.m. ET.
Jan. 18-19:
Fourth Round (Women and Men)
Jan. 20-21:
Quarterfinals (Women and Men)
Jan. 22-23:
Women’s Semifinals
Jan. 23-24:
Men’s Semifinals
Jan. 25:
Women’s Final
Jan. 26:
Men’s Final
Here are the 2025 Australian Open seeds:
Men:
1. Jannik Sinner
2. Alexander Zverev
3. Carlos Alcaraz
4. Taylor Fritz
5. Daniil Medvedev
6. Casper Ruud
7. Novak Djokovic
8. Alex de Minaur
9. Andrey Rublev
10. Grigor Dimitrov
11. Stefanos Tsitsipas
12. Tommy Paul
13. Holger Rune
14. Ugo Humbert
15. Jack Draper
16. Lorenzo Musetti
17. Frances Tiafoe
18. Hubert Hurkacz
19. Karen Khachanov
20. Arthur Fils
21. Ben Shelton
22. Sebastian Korda
23. Alejandro Tabilo
24. Jiri Lehecka
25. Alexei Popyrin
26. Tomas Machac
27. Jordan Thompson
28. Sebastian Baez
29. Felix Auger-Aliassime
30. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
31. Francisco Cerundolo
32. Flavio Cobolli
Women:
1. Aryna Sabalenka
2. Iga Swiatek
3. Coco Gauff
4. Jasmine Paolini
5. Qinwen Zheng
6. Elena Rybakina
7. Jessica Pegula
8. Emma Navarro
9. Daria Kasatkina
10. Danielle Collins
11. Paula Badosa
12. Diana Shnaider
13. Anna Kalinskaya
14. Mirra Andreeva
15. Beatriz Haddad Maia
16. Jelena Ostapenko
17. Marta Kostyuk
18. Donna Vekic
19. Madison Keys
20. Karolina Muchova
21. Victoria Azarenka
22. Katie Boulter
23. Magdalena Frech
24. Yulia Putintseva
25. Liudmila Samsonova
26. Ekaterina Alexandrova
27. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
28. Elina Svitolina
29. Linda Noskova
30. Leylah Fernandez
31. Maria Sakkari
32. Dayana Yastremska
Are you ready for an exciting showdown at the Australian Open 2025? Today, Aryna Sabalenka will face off against Mirra Andreeva in what promises to be a thrilling match. If you’re eager to catch all the action live, here’s how you can watch the match:
1. TV Broadcast: Check your local sports channels or streaming platforms to see if they are airing the Australian Open matches. Tune in at the scheduled time to catch the Sabalenka vs. Andreeva match.
2. Online Streaming: If you prefer to watch the match online, you can stream it on platforms like ESPN, Tennis Channel, or the official Australian Open website. Simply log in with your cable provider information or purchase a subscription to access the live stream.
3. Social Media: Follow the official Australian Open social media accounts for updates, highlights, and live coverage of the match. You may also find fan pages or groups sharing updates and discussing the game as it unfolds.
4. Radio Broadcast: If you’re on the go or prefer to listen to the match, tune in to sports radio stations that are covering the Australian Open. You can stay updated on the score and commentary while on the move.
Don’t miss out on this exciting match between Aryna Sabalenka and Mirra Andreeva at the Australian Open 2025. Grab your snacks, settle into your favorite viewing spot, and get ready to witness some incredible tennis action. Let’s see who comes out on top in this epic showdown!
Tags:
Australian Open 2025, Aryna Sabalenka vs. Mirra Andreeva, live stream, watch online, tennis match, Grand Slam, tournament, player analysis, match preview, schedule, results, ranking, Australian Open 2025 live.
#Australian #Open #watch #Aryna #Sabalenka #Mirra #Andreeva #match #today
Key events
Draper (15) v Alcaraz (3)* (0-1): The third seed holds to 30 in his opening service game. Draper’s first point came courtesy of a rally repeatedly targeting the Spaniard’s backhand until he forced an error. Something to keep an eye on. There’s a double fault from Alcaraz, who wins 100% behind his first serves, but only lands 3/6.
Tommy Paul (12) has cruised to the opening set against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-1.
Draper and Alcaraz are out on Rod Laver Arena warning up. Draper is all in white, Alcaraz is in teal with his massive guns out, both are sporting lemon yellow kicks that I would very much enjoy wearing.
Just a reminder that Draper has spent over six hours on court more than Alcaraz this week. All three of the 15th seed’s victories have been in five sets, whereas the third seed barely broke sweat for a couple of rounds before Nuno Borges pinches a tiebreak a couple of days ago.
The top half of the women’s draw is now down to four seeded players:
Aryna Sabalenka (1) v Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (27)
Coco Gauff (3) v Paula Badosa (11)
I’ll keep that one simmering in the background, but my main focus soon will be Jack Draper (15) v Carlos Alcaraz (3). It’s a match-up Tumaini Carayol is all over.
Draper’s determination and guts have earned him a meeting with the Spaniard on one of the sport’s biggest stages. As he has shown in their previous matches, there is no doubt Draper has the weapons and athleticism to challenge Alcaraz. In 2022, a lifetime ago for both players, Alcaraz defeated Draper 7-5 in the third set indoors in Basel. After retiring from their match at Indian Wells a year later, Draper toppled Alcaraz at Queen’s last year. Draper has been the favourite in his first three matches but in Melbourne he must try to play with more freedom against the number three seed.
The only singles match on court for the time being is Tommy Paul (12) v Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Margaret Court Arena. The American has broken the Spaniard’s opening service game to take the early ascendancy.
“Leave it all out there on the court,” is Coco Gauff’s parting message, and one she lived up to this afternoon.
Reflecting on the opening set the third seed was phlegmatic, focussing on the process and speaking to her box that they acknowledge she isn’t going to win every set or every match even if she plays well.
Coco Gauff finishes in style, winning one of the points of the match with a mesmerising all-volleyed rally at the net after showing off her incredible speed to reach a drop shot. It’s been a superb recovery since dropping the opening set, powering over the top of the tiring Bencic, who has given this tournament so much on her return from maternity leave.
Gauff will play Paula Badosa in the next round, with a mouthwatering clash against Aryna Sabalenka the likely prize.
Gauff (3) v Bencic* (5-7, 6-2, 5-1): Bencic is broken to 15. Her spirit is all but extinguished. Gauff’s endurance is telling late on in these conditions.
The 33 year old veteran is through to face Aryna Sabalenka. It’ll be her ninth major quarter final, but she’s only passed that stage once before.
Gauff (3)* v Bencic (5-7, 6-2, 4-1): Coco Gauff’s court coverage is unbelievable. Not for the first time today she is quickly onto a backhand crosscourt that would ordinarily be a clean winner, wrapping her racket around the ball and sending it back in court outside the net post, inside the umpire’s throne. Bencic can only rest her forehead on her racket and suck in the hot air, disbelieving of the athleticism on the other side of the net. The third seed holds to 30.
Gauff (3) v Bencic* (5-7, 6-2, 3-1): Both women are happy to trade forehands, unfamiliar in a tournament with a strong strategic lean to targeting the backhand wing. Each stumble in their own ways to 30-30, then Bencic swipes long to concede a break point. Jelena Dokic on commentary is concerned the Swiss is losing pace in her groundstrokes, which is not a good sign against a player with Gauff’s court coverage.
She escapes the break after Gauff fails to execute the forehand winner after a blistering backhand return, then wins the next point cheaply behind a strong first serve. An agonising net cord lands on the server’s side with a backhand down the line winner begging to be struck, and the misfortune tells a point later when Bencic this time fails to fully commit to an inside-out forehand that lands wide. Gauff is jigging on the baseline ready for the moment – and a third unforced error in a row hands the third seed the break.
That felt significant. Bencic needs a burst of energy from somewhere.
The 11th seed recovers from 2-5 down in the second seed to reach the quarter finals in straight sets. The former world No 2 will face the winner of Gauff v Bencic.
Gauff (3)* v Bencic (5-7, 6-2, 2-1): Gauff moves to 0-30 with a magnificent point. Both players trade heavy forehands before the American finds an angle acuter than Moo Deng. Bencic scampers to force an extra shot in the rally but the third seed is ready to pounce. At 40-0 Gauff serves her seventh double fault of the afternoon then seals the deal behind a second serve.
Gauff (3) v Bencic* (5-7, 6-2, 1-1): Bencic holds from 30-30. This is one is a coin toss.
Jonathan Howcroft
Thank you Angus. What a day! The quintessential Australian summer experience. Hot, dry, and amazing live sport to enjoy.
I’m going to remain focussed on Gauff v Bencic until its conclusion, then Draper v Alcaraz afterwards. I’ll drop in other news as it happens. Let’s go!
With temperatures climbing into the mid-30s in Melbourne it’s time for me to apply some ice to my typing digits and hand over to the Bjorn Borg of blogging, Jonathan “Iceman” Howcroft. Thanks for your company this morning and enjoy your afternoon!
Meanwhile, on Margaret Court Arena, Olga Danilovic has staged a remarkable recovery after losing the first set 6-1 against 11th seed Paula Badosa. The Serbian fought back and broke early to lead the second set 5-2 only for Badosa to then turn the tables on her rival again, winning back the break. Badosa is now serving for 5-5.
Over on KIA arena 27th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has taken the first set in a tiebreak – where she did not lose a point – against 18th seed Donna Vekic.
Coco Gauff has done it! She serves out the second set 6-2.
Meanwhile, reports are emerging of a strange and scary experiences France’s Corentin Moutet suffered before his third-round loss to American qualifier Learner Tien yesterday. Apparently the Frenchman fainted in the shower before taking the court at Kia Arena and woke up dazed in the dark. No wonder he went down in straight sets!
Corentin Moutet fainted in his shower 45 minutes before playing against Learner Tien at the Australian Open.
“I was in the shower, I woke up on the floor. I was in the dark, I couldn’t see anything. I don’t know what happened. I just know I spent 15 minutes in the dark.”
— Quentin Moynet (@QuentinMoynet) January 18, 2025
Coco Gauff is really unloading on Belinda Bencic’s second serve. It’s not working all the time but when it does it’s damaging the Swiss on the scoreboard and, one senses, psychologically.
In the first set, the 2020 Olympic champion outplayed Gauff with patience and power. But the second set has been a different story. The precocious talent and confidence of the 20-year-old American is now coming to the fore. She takes the fourth game of this second set to love to lead 4-1.
In our other women’s singles match, Paula Badosa has taken the first set 6-1 against Olga Danilovic. The winner of that match will meet this morning’s winner Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter final.
Great hustle from Coco Gauff! Bencic had her pinned in the corners but the American lunged for the last and snapped her wrists across it to deliver a superb crosscourt winner against the run of play. She ices that moment by getting her serving radar back on track, recovering from a double fault to ace the last and make it 3-0 in this second set.
Can Belinda Bencic rediscover her mojo? Or will Gauff go all the way?
Coco Gauff has dropped her first set of the tournament (and the year) and the upset is on at Rod Laver Arena as unseeded Swiss Belinda Bencic continues her surge back up the ratings after taking maternity leave with her first child. What a scalp this would be!
Gauff isn’t done yet though. She wins her first service game to lead the second set 1-0 and then attacks Bencic’s serve to win a 0-30 advantage. The Swiss rips a riposte down the line but Gauff has steel in her eyes and kryptonite in her racquet. She seizes on a Bencic error to make it 15-40 then crashes a winner to win the game.
Coco Gauff has the break and leads the second set 2-0!
Belinda Bencic has a second chance to wrap up this set on serve. Can she do it? Gauff’s return finds the tape for 15-0. Coco Gauff, sensing the peril, digs deep on the next point. But she can’t find the corners like the Swiss and after a 20+ shot rally, sends a backhand wide. 30-0. Make that 40-0! Bencic calmly rallies down the middle before Gauff catches some frame. The Swiss swoops on the space and thunders a forehand down the line.
But Gauff fights back! First with a crashing diagonal backhand and then a thunderous 137kph forehand down the line. But again Bencic stays calm, finds the corners and seizes on the space as Gauff tires. She angles the winner and takes the set 7-5!
Belinda Bencic is pressing hard against Coco Gauff. This eleventh game of the set has again gone to deuce and, with Bencic ripping a backhand return to win advantage, Gauff has to conjur her fastest serve of the match – 189kph – to win back parity. She fritters it by netting the next but quickly regains composure with an ace. Or does she? A double fault puts her back in the hole. That’s her second double fault for the set…
Oh dear, make that her third. A second straight double fault delivers Bencic the break. The Swiss will now serve for the set at 6-5.
Just when Belinda Bencic looked to have an upset brewing on Rod Laver Arena, Coco Gauff breaks back! That was wonderful stuff by the young American. The Swiss star was starting to win the grind, converting 55% of her second serves to Gauff’s 40%. But Gauff upped the ante in that game and lashed two explosive backhands from 30-all to win the game. We are 5-5 in the first set and back on serve.
In the other women’s singles match on Margaret Court Arena, Spain’s No 11 seed Paula Badosa has won her first service game against Serbia’s Olga Danilovic.
Now it’s Coco Gauff under pressure! Down 30-40 she has to scythe a backhand crosscourt to save deuce. She gets advantage with a delicate drop shot but loses it with a lazy mid-court forehand into the net. Belinda Bencic does the same to concede advantage but wins the next by pounding a return down the line. What a shot!
The two players walk the tightrope, trading winners and errors to take it to a fourth deuce and make this the longest game of the set so far. Bencic swoops on a drop shot to lash it into the corner and advances on Gauff’s reply to take advantage. She presses on the next, pinning Gauff on the baseline and forcing a looped forehand that falls long.
Bencic has the break and will serve for the set at 5-4!
Bencic hangs on again, fighting back from 0-30 to hold serve and take this first set to 4-4. The Swiss is in good form and Gauff senses she is is in a real fight here.
Coco Gauff is yet to drop a first serve in this first set of this fourth round encounter. The 2023 US Open champion – a semi-finalist at Melbourne Park last year – now leads 4-3 and is turning up the heat on Belinda Bencic who was taken to deuce in her last service game and only narrowly avoided being broken.
It’s punch for punch and still on serve in the first set of the Coco Gauff v Belinda Bencic clash on Rod Laver Arena. Gauff has had an impressive start to 2025, winning eight matches and 16 sets straight. She takes a 3-2 lead here.
The 27-year-old Bencic is no easybeat. She may be unseeded at this Australian Open but the Swiss star rose to a career-high ranking of world No 4 in February 2020 and has won eight career singles titles, including the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The fourth round clash between America’s No 3 seed Coco Gauff and unseeded Swiss veteran Belinda Bencic is under way, with Gauff serving first in 32C heat.
Gauff is yet to drop a set at this tournament and early signs are good as the 20-year-old wins the first game to love with an on-song serve doing the damage.
While Team GB fans await the Draper v Alcaraz monster match this evening, they can lick their wounds over yesterday’s 6-1, 6-0 demolition of women’s singles hope Emma Radacanu by Iga Swiatek in their third round clash. It was the heaviest defeat of the young Briton’s career but, despite the setback, she showed the class we love her for.
As we await the arrival of America’s No 3 seed Coco Gauff – who will fight it out on Rod Laver Arena with Switzerland’s unseeded veteran Belinda Bencic – let’s prime ourselves for the big men’s singles showdown tonight: Jack Draper v Carlos Alcaraz.
That round four victory over Mirra Andreeva makes it 18 wins in a row for Aryna Sabalenka at Melbourne Park. She has now reached the most women’s singles quarter finals (10) at grand slam events since 2020.
And just like that, the two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is into the quarter finals. What a clinical destruction it was. Ultimately, the No 1 seed conceded just three games to her young opponent Mirra Andreeva, cleaning her clock inside an hour and marching into another Australian Open final eight.
If Sabalenka’s rivals in this tournament weren’t already frightened… they are now.
Aryna Sabalenka is in for the kill. After losing the opening point of the seventh game, she chastised herself, went within and unleashed an explosive return that drew gasps from this near-capacity crowd. It was a shot that hurt Andreeva beyond the scoreboard. Shaken, the Russian teenager double faulted on the next and the defending champion takes the next two points with ease.
Sabalenka will now serve for the match and a spot in the quarter final.
Three break point opportunities and four deuces later, Mirra Andreeva has failed in her first genuine chance to break Aryna Sabalenka. Again, despite the teenager returning with precision, she’s undone by the guile of her older rival, a drop shot sealing it.
Sabalenka retains the break advantage and now leads this match 6-1, 4-2.
Over on Margaret Court Arena, the Italian stallions Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori have Spanish pair Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar on the rack after taking the first 6-3 in their third round game.
Mirra Andreeva has her first break point of the game against Aryna Sabalenka in the round of 16 women’s singles match on centre court. Can she convert?
Andreeva strikes back! Sabalenka was going for the throat in that game, pummelling returns in a bid to break the teenager a second time. Instead Andreeva stayed calm and made it five points in a row to get things back to 3-2 in the second set. That was the Russian’s best game of the match so far. Is it a turning point?
Double trouble for Mirra Andreeva. She has lost her second serving game and is unravelling on Rod Laver Arena with even foot faults creeping in.
Two unforced errors gift Aryna Sabalenka an early 30-0 lead in this fourth game of the second set but swinging big for the corners, she gets things back to 30-30. Sabalenka, serving at 72%, crashes a second serve to get to 40-30 but Andreeva hangs tough, a looping return eluding Sabalenka’s backhand.
But just when the teenager forces the longest game of the match so far, she sends two returns wide to concede the game. Sabalenka leads 6-1, 3-1.
Where to now for Mirra Andreeva? She was mauled in that first set and must change things up and start swinging for the fences if she’s to trouble Sabalenka. Showing composure, Andreeva serves out the first game – a nice start. Can she go on with it?
With utter ruthlessness Aryna Sabalenka takes the first set 6-1.
That set was a 24-minute demolition of Mirra Andreeva and the 17 year old will have to find something very special if she’s to fight her way into this match.
Oh no. Mirra Andreeva has been broken again on centre court. She’s now 5-1 down after just 20 minutes. Aryna Sabalenka has served up a potent brew of power and finesse to completely overwhelm her teenage rival so far. On the final shot of this game, a flurry of bludgeoning baseline shots softened Andreeva up before the No 1 brought the velvet hammer down with a sublime drop shot.
The 17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva is under early pressure after losing an early break to Aryna Sabalenka who has defied crowd distractions and even a low-flying airplane to surge to a 4-1 lead. The No 1 seed has dropped only one point so far.
No 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka and No 14 Mirra Andreeva are into it on Rod Laver Arena. Servers are dominating so far with both players winning their opening games to love and Sabalenka just taking the second to lead 2-1 in the first set.
Hello tennis fans and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the 2025 Australian Open. Angus Fontaine here guiding you through the early follies and volleys before Jonathan Howcroft picks up the cudgels in the afternoon session.
We are into round four and the action is heating up. Temperatures are set to reach 30C+ in Melbourne today and the first stars into the pressure cooker of Rod Laver Arena will be the No 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka taking on 17-year-old sensation Mirra Andreeva (seeded 14). That match commences shortly.
That tussle will be followed by another women’s single showdown when America’s No 3 seed Coco Gauff’s clashes with Switzerland’s unseeded veteran Belinda Bencic.
Our death in the afternoon duel today is between Great Britain’s No 15 seed Jack Draper and Spain’s smiling assassin Carlos Alcaraz, seeded No 3 and popular favourite to take the men’s singles title this year.
The night arrives in style with No 7 seed Novak Djokovic taking on Czech Republic’s No 24 seed Jiri Lehecka. On the doubles court Australian hopes will rest with Luke Saville and Li Tu who face off with the pair of Goransson and Verbeek.
There’s doubles about to get under way on Margaret Court Arena too so buckle ‘em up and batten ‘em down, we’re about to light the fuse on day eight…
The Australian Open 2025 has been heating up as young tennis sensation Coco Gauff defeats Belinda Bencic in a thrilling match. Gauff showcased her incredible skills and determination to come out on top against the tough opponent.
In another exciting match, Aryna Sabalenka cruised through her match, showing why she is a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world. Sabalenka’s powerful game and aggressive style of play proved too much for her opponent to handle.
Currently, fans are eagerly watching the match between rising stars Jack Draper and Carlos Alcaraz. The two young players are battling it out on the court, showcasing their talent and determination to make a name for themselves in the tennis world.
Stay tuned for more updates and live coverage of the Australian Open 2025 as the tournament continues to unfold with exciting matches and unforgettable moments on the court. Let’s see who will emerge victorious and claim the coveted title at this prestigious event.
Tags:
Australian Open 2025, Gauff vs Bencic, Sabalenka victory, Draper vs Alcaraz live, tennis news, Australian Open updates, young tennis stars, Grand Slam tournament, sports highlights
#Australian #Open #Gauff #beats #Bencic #Sabalenka #cruises #Draper #Alcaraz #live #Australian #Open
For Andreeva, the tough thing about playing the No. 1 player in the world is that it’s easy to make excuses for herself.
“Sometimes there are thoughts that are, you know, I feel like, OK, she’s No. 1, maybe it’s OK if this doesn’t work. Or maybe I play not that good here…well, I mean, she’s No. 1, it’s OK.”
It’s hard to say whether Andreeva should feel more encouraged about her chances this time around. While she has won three matches, she had to make a great escape, from 3-5 down in the third, against Moyuka Uchijima, and she dropped another set against Magdalena Frech.
As for Sabalenka, she has yet to lose a set, but her last two opponents, Clara Tauson and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, each pushed her to a point where she got tight. They showed that if you can take the initiative away from Sabalenka, and stand toe to toe with her, you can make her nervous and disrupt her attack.
Andreeva has the ground-stroke power to do that, but she’ll want to be sharper earlier than she has been so far this week, especially on these fairly fast hard courts. If she can land some punches early, the Sabalenka onslaught could be neutralized. Winner: Sabalenka
The Australian Open fourth round is heating up with some exciting matchups on the horizon. Here are previews of three must-watch matches:
1. Coco Gauff vs. Belinda Bencic:
Young phenom Coco Gauff will face off against the seasoned veteran Belinda Bencic in what promises to be a thrilling clash of generations. Gauff has been in fine form this tournament, showcasing her trademark speed and power on the court. Bencic, on the other hand, is a crafty player with a wealth of experience on the big stage. Expect a close contest with plenty of fireworks from both players.
2. Sabalenka vs. Andreeva:
Aryna Sabalenka, the hard-hitting Belarusian, will take on the up-and-coming Russian Anna Andreeva in a battle of power versus finesse. Sabalenka has been on a tear recently, dominating her opponents with her aggressive style of play. Andreeva, meanwhile, has been turning heads with her precise shot-making and tactical acumen. This match has all the makings of a classic showdown between two contrasting styles of play.
3. Alcaraz vs. Draper:
In a clash of the young guns, rising stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper will go head-to-head for a spot in the quarterfinals. Alcaraz, the Spanish sensation, has been making waves on the ATP tour with his fearless play and raw talent. Draper, the British prodigy, has been garnering attention for his smooth left-handed strokes and composure under pressure. This match is sure to be a showcase of the next generation of tennis talent.
Stay tuned for these exciting matchups and more as the Australian Open fourth round unfolds. Who will come out on top and book their spot in the quarterfinals? Only time will tell.
Tags:
Australian Open, fourth round, preview, Coco Gauff, Belinda Bencic, Sabalenka, Andreeva, Alcaraz, Draper, tennis, match, predictions, players, match-ups, tournament, Grand Slam, Melbourne, Australia.
#Australian #Open #Fourth #Previews #Coco #Gauff #Belinda #Bencic #Sabalenka #Andreeva #Alcaraz #Draper
Follow The Athletic’s Australian Open coverage
Welcome to the Australian Open briefing, where The Athletic will explain the stories behind the stories on each day of the tournament.
On day six, Aryna Sabalenka showed some vulnerability, coffee was a talking point and two players set up a fascinating rematch.
Just like last year, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is through to the fourth round of the Australian Open without dropping a set. But that’s pretty much where the similarities end.
Twelve months ago, defending champion Sabalenka posted wins with scorelines of 6-0, 6-1; 6-3, 6-2; and 6-0, 6-0 to get this far. She looked invincible. Her aura helped her carry on that form into the tournament’s second week and she duly retained her title without dropping a set.
Things feel different now.
Sabalenka has looked shaky for long stretches of all three of her matches in the 2025 edition. On Friday, she had to overcome a pretty dismal serving performance in a 7-6(5), 6-4 win over the unseeded Clara Tauson. Sabalenka was broken four times in the first set and appeared to struggle with her timing on a sweaty Melbourne afternoon, spraying errors that momentarily made her look like a mile away from an all-conquering world No. 1.
The other way to frame it is that Sabalenka showed great mental resolve to grind out the win. It was the kind of match she might well have lost a few years ago and she spoke of how proud she was of her mental effort during her on-court interview.
For the rest of the field, the struggles of this event’s would-be three-in-a-row champ at least provide a glimmer of hope that she might be beatable here. It’s equally possible that Sabalenka is just getting into her stride, ready to return to her formidable best in the second week.
Don’t tell Mirra Andreeva — her next opponent. Or the other 14 players left in the women’s draw.
GO DEEPER
‘I can be the best player in the world’: Aryna Sabalenka crowns the season of her life
Charlie Eccleshare
After a smooth 6-0, 6-2 win over Rebecca Sramkova, Iga Swiatek had the Melbourne crowd in the palm of her hand for her on-court interview.
Speaking about another of their favorite subjects seemed like a safe bet.
How is the coffee in the Australian Open’s host city — which Swiatek declared she loved 12 months ago?
“In Sydney, I found better,” Swiatek replied.
After an on-court performance backed by the controlled aggression and relentless defense that took her to the top of the tennis world in 2022, this was an egregiously unforced error.
Alex de Minaur, who is from Sydney, demurred in the face of the same question. “There’s no better place for coffee than Australia,” the ATP world No. 8 said after beating Tristan Boyer 6-2, 6-4, 6-3.
Perhaps fortunately for Swiatek, the Australian Open coffee wars have moved on from the players to the fans. With the tournament posting attendances of over 80,000 every day and over 90,000 on the majority of them, there needs to be a lot of coffee available. A 99-acre site with 15 coffee shops seems limited, and a Reuters report details disgruntled coffee-seekers purportedly walking “kilometers” to get their hands on some.
Coffee demand oscillates with the Melbourne weather; on hotter and drier days, the lines at bars for beer, wine, soft drinks and water are longer than those for coffee, but the wetter days in the early part of the tournament gave more cause for seeking out hot drinks.
This year’s provider is Urban Cup, which Tennis Australia describes as a pop-up coffee stall. It has no web presence and no recognizable connection to Melbourne, which for a city with myriad world-renowned coffee brands is something of a surprise.
Lavazza, a fixture of coffee sponsorships at tennis’ other three Grand Slam events, is in espresso hoppers in the media areas, but conspicuous by its absence around the wider grounds.
James Hansen
The 2025 Australian Open has not been a tournament of upsets so far, and fans are already seeing the benefits, with numerous tight matches between two top-20 players in the third round.
On Friday, No. 18 seed Donna Vekic and No. 12 seed Diana Shnaider treated Melbourne Park to a fiercely competitive three-setter, that Vekic won 7-6(4), 6-7(3), 7-5 in almost three hours.
In an undulating contest, Shnaider served for the match up 5-3 in the final set but was broken and didn’t win another game as Vekic powered towards the finishing line. With Pam Shriver, one of her coaches, 7,000 miles away in Los Angeles, Vekic has navigated tough early matches with calm assurance.
At around the same time, the No. 11 seed Paula Badosa edged out No. 17 seed Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
The draws on the men’s and women’s side look pretty stacked for the fourth round, the benefits of which should massively outweigh the lack of week one upsets so far. Qualifier Learner Tien’s stunning win over men’s No. 5 seed Daniil Medvedev and Laura Siegemund’s ousting of women’s No. 5 seed Zheng Qinwen remained outliers until late Friday night, when Olga Danilovic put on a stirring performance to knock out No. 7 seed and U.S. Open finalist Jessica Pegula, 7-6(3), 6-1.
Novak Djokovic, who preceded Danilovic on Rod Laver Arena and beat Tomas Machac, watched her match point on a big screen and raised his arms aloft when it was over. Danilovic equals her best run at a major by reaching the fourth round; the last time she did it was at the 2024 French Open.
GO DEEPER
American qualifier Learner Tien beats Daniil Medvedev in stunning Australian Open upset
Charlie Eccleshare
Another star of the coming new generation in men’s tennis fell out of the draw Friday.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina saved a match point and climbed back from two sets down to beat Jakub Mensik, the big and talented 19-year-old. This was a day after Lorenzo Sonego took out the phenom Joao Fonseca, also in five sets.
Those losses took some air out of the newness balloon floating over the grounds the past week. Take heart: Davidovich Fokina’s win sets up a rematch of a crazy five-set battle he had here two years ago with Tommy Paul, two athletic and sometimes flashy players capable of putting on a show.
That five-set rollercoaster unfolded on Court 7, in front of maybe a few hundred people in the second round. It’s all but forgotten in tennis history, except for those involved.
Paul’s eyes lit up at the memory on Friday. He came back from a two-sets-to-one deficit that day and ended up making the semifinals. “The level of that match, if it was on a stadium court, that would have been talked about, but we were on an outside court,” he said. “It was a high level all the way around.”
May it be once more.
GO DEEPER
The generational shift in men’s tennis comes to the Australian Open
Matt Futterman
Carlos Alcaraz has been missing from this tournament’s highlight reel, until now.
Tell us what you noticed on the sixth day…
(Top photo of Sabalenka: Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton)
The Australian Open has been filled with thrilling matches and surprising outcomes so far, but one of the biggest takeaways has been Aryna Sabalenka’s unexpected vulnerability on the court. Known for her powerful game and fiery demeanor, Sabalenka has struggled to find her rhythm in Melbourne, leading to early exits in both singles and doubles.
Despite being one of the top seeds in the tournament, Sabalenka has been unable to make a deep run, raising questions about her mental toughness and ability to handle the pressure of Grand Slam events. It’s clear that the Belarusian star still has some work to do to reach her full potential and become a consistent contender at the highest level of the sport.
Meanwhile, off the court, the Melbourne coffee wars have intensified as players and fans alike vie for the best brew in town. With so many trendy cafes and artisan roasters to choose from, the competition for the title of “best coffee in Melbourne” is fierce. Whether you prefer a classic flat white or a trendy cold brew, there’s no shortage of options to satisfy your caffeine cravings during the tournament.
As the Australian Open continues to unfold, it’s clear that both on and off the court, there are plenty of surprises and storylines to keep fans entertained. Stay tuned for more exciting action and drama as the tournament reaches its thrilling conclusion.
Tags:
#Australian #Open #takeaways #Aryna #Sabalenka #shows #vulnerability #Melbourne #coffee #wars #intensify
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka continued her bid for a third consecutive Australian Open title with victory over Denmark’s Clara Tauson in straight sets.
The 26-year-old Belarusian was made to work for her 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 win on Rod Laver Arena but secured victory in two hours six minutes to progress to the fourth round.
There were 11 breaks of serve in a match of rapidly shifting momentum at Melbourne Park.
“That was a great battle,” said Sabalenka.
“She played unbelievable tennis. It was really tough to play against her today.
“I’m just super happy that I was able to just stay in the game and I was able to push myself, honestly, to the limit to get this win.”
Eight of the 11 breaks of serve came in the first set as both players grappled for momentum, Tauson earning the first service hold of the match in the eighth game.
After Sabalenka broke back for a fourth time, Tauson, 22, saved four set points to force a tie-break but the world number one eventually took her chance at the fifth opportunity to seal the opening set with a thunderous forehand.
The second set followed a similar pattern as Sabalenka struggled to find a first serve but she eventually broke in the ninth game, the longest of the match which featured seven deuces, then served for the win to secure a 17th consecutive victory in Melbourne.
Despite three tough matches, Sabalenka progresses to the second week at Melbourne Park having not dropped a set and with a 30th victory in 31 matches in hard-court Slams since the start of 2023.
Sabalenka will face Poland’s Magdalena Frech or teenage 14th seed Mirra Andreeva in the next round.
In a thrilling match at the Australian Open 2025, Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the fourth round after a hard-fought win against her opponent. The Belarusian player showed her determination and skill on the court, battling through tough points to secure the victory.
Fans were on the edge of their seats as Sabalenka showcased her powerful serves and aggressive playing style, putting pressure on her opponent from the start. With her strong forehand shots and strategic play, she was able to outmaneuver her opponent and secure the crucial points when it mattered most.
Sabalenka’s performance in this match exemplifies her resilience and fighting spirit, proving why she is a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world. As she progresses to the fourth round of the Australian Open, fans can expect more exciting matches and impressive performances from this talented player.
Stay tuned for more updates on Aryna Sabalenka’s journey in the Australian Open 2025 as she continues to showcase her skills and aim for victory on the grand stage of tennis.
Tags:
Australian Open 2025, Aryna Sabalenka, round four, tennis, tournament, results, victory, match, Australian Open results, Sabalenka progresses, Grand Slam, player, sports, competition, Australian Open round four, win, battle, Australian Open 2025 results, tennis match, Sabalenka victory, sports news
#Australian #Open #results #Aryna #Sabalenka #progresses #battling #win
For the better part of three years, only two players have held the Hologic WTA’s No.1 ranking. That fierce, furious competition between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka has elevated both their games and kept them on top. They have won seven of the past 11 Grand Slam singles titles, including three of four in 2024.
In business, it’s called dynamic tension. You can see it in Silicon Valley, where billion-dollar-behemoths Apple and Google — two of the world’s most successful tech companies — are separated by less than a 10-minute drive.
“I actually love this — I’m a huge fan to have this,” Anton Dubrov, Sabalenka’s coach, recently said. “For me, the biggest and most exciting is when you overcome the person in front.
“I think it’s harder to be first, but at the same time it also helps you improve even more because you understand that someone’s always behind you. You feel much more pressure, but this is also where you can show, under that pressure, doing the right things, how you can be the real No.1.”
Heading into this week’s Australian Open, it’s Sabalenka.
Swiatek held No.1 for 75 weeks after Ashleigh Barty announced her retirement in April 2022. Sabalenka snatched it for the first time after the 2023 US Open, but gave it back eight weeks later when Swiatek won her last 11 matches of the year — including a pivotal straight-sets semifinal decision over Sabalenka at the WTA Finals in Cancun.
After a 50-week run, Swiatek was overcome again at the end of the 2024 season when Sabalenka won 20 of 21 matches, taking titles in Cincinnati, New York at the US Open and Wuhan. You could see it coming after Sabalenka’s straight-sets win over Swiatek in the Cincinnati semifinals.
“She won two Grand Slams so, obviously, the results are there,” Swiatek said of Sabalenka. “Missing Wimbledon for sure, must have been frustrating. But I think she was able to play great tennis in the US Open swing because she was more fresh than all of us.
“But still, you need a lot of work to try to convert this time into something positive. So I think she did that pretty well. And, yeah, she’s for sure, progressing.”
Publicly the players have been increasingly generous with their praise for each other. Their spirited competition for No.1, their mutual respect has helped lift their games, as well as the visibility of the Hologic WTA Tour. Their wild match in the Madrid final — won by Swiatek 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7) — was voted the 2024 WTA Match of the Year.
“I thought we have to stay together and have fun and just enjoy our rivalry, not be too tough on each other,” Sabalenka said. “Since that, we already practiced a couple of times.
“Then I was doing fitness after our hit. She was like, ‘I can join you guys.’ We filmed it and post it. It’s been becoming more chill between us, too. I have to say she’s really nice person. It was fun getting to know each other.”
The ever-evolving arms race
Sabalenka actually began the 2022 season as the No.2 player behind Barty, but Swiatek, on the strength of titles in Doha and Indian Wells, was No.2 when the affable Australian decided to retire.
One reason Sabalenka didn’t catch Swiatek earlier was her sometimes spotty service game. After a tour-leading 428 double faults (nearly eight per match), Sabalenka brought in a technical expert and cut that number nearly in half. She broke through at the 2023 Australian Open, winning her first major singles title, and repeated again in Melbourne last year.
“I just feel like her serving used to feel like it would maybe always go off at some point,” Jessica Pegula said. “But now it’s been clutch in all these tough moments, which is something we’re all going to, unfortunately have to deal with for the next few years.”
Sabalenka’s forehand has always been lethal, but now it lands more often under pressure. There is a growing consistency in her point construction and she’s made a conscious decision to move forward more often and employ more drop shots. Most important, she’s learned to control her emotions when things get squirrely.
“She’s become such a more complete player,” Pegula said. “It seems like mentally she’s just dialed in and has figured it out, which used to be her biggest liability at times has become her best weapon on the court.
“Iga’s pushed us to be better. Now [Aryna’s] kind of stepped it up and showing, `Hey, now I’m pushing everybody else to be better.’”
Zheng Qinwen echoed Pegula’s sentiments
“Both Slams that she won [in 2024], I lost against her on the way,” Zheng said. “Which means that I have to be able to beat her. And I’m quite excited for that day.”
Work to do
After Sabalenka won last year’s Australian Open, Swiatek dominated for the next four months, winning four WTA 1000 titles — Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid and Rome — beating Sabalenka in both clay finals. She followed that up with her fourth Roland Garros championship in five years.
And then, for the next five months, Swiatek did not win a tournament. That’s not to say she wasn’t effective. Swiatek won the bronze medal in Olympic singles and reached the semifinals in Cincinnati and the quarters at the US Open. She skipped the WTA 1000 events in Toronto, Beijing and Wuhan.
When she arrived in Riyadh after a two-month break, Swiatek had a new coach, Wim Fissette, and an extensive wish list of upgrades.
“I think it’s kind of obvious,” Swiatek told reporters. “I for sure want to improve my serve, as I’ve been doing for past years. I feel like I still need to continue that.
“For sure I’m not a complete player. I think tactically there are many ways I could go and have more variety on court. Wim has some nice ideas.”
Swiatek holds a decisive 8-4 head-to-head advantage, but looking closer, it’s a 5-1 edge on clay and 3-all on hard courts. On slower courts, when Swiatek has time to set up, she’s more dangerous. On faster surfaces, Sabalenka’s power levels the field.
Only five players currently active have been the year-end No.1 — and Sabalenka, 26, and Swiatek, 23, are the only ones close to the prime of their careers. Going forward, it should be a fascinating back and forth. And soon, they could be challenged by Zheng, 22, and the 20-year-old Gauff.
After her terrific run late in the season, Sabalenka seemed to hit a wall in Riyadh, losing to Gauff in the semifinals. That didn’t dampen her enthusiasm for the coming season.
“Super excited for the next year,” Sabalenka said. “Just want to push myself in those extra, extra moments I had this season, and I didn’t close matches.
Which one week into the 2025 season, she has. Sabalenka won her first event of the year, at the Brisbane International, her 18th career title.
What’s next? Dubrov, her coach of five years, knows. He offers Novak Djokovic as an example of an exemplary frontrunner. Djokovic pursued Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for years before overtaking them. Now he’s the all-time men’s leader with 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
“It was like it was three years that he was unbeatable and unbelievable,” Dubrov said. “And you’re just inspired by his story because there’s no one he’s chasing. He’s the one who’s the leader all the time. Like you have to run the marathon always in front.”
Can Sabalenka do that?
“I hope so,” Dubrov said. “That’s what we try to work on, trying to get her not thinking about being No.1. What you have to do — you’re kind of chasing your own shadow that’s in front of you.
“And you have to try to catch it.”
Sabalenka and Swiatek have been making waves in the world of women’s tennis, pushing the limits at the top of the WTA rankings. Both players have been on a steady rise, showcasing their incredible talent and determination on the court.
Sabalenka, known for her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive style of play, has quickly become a force to be reckoned with. She has notched impressive wins against some of the top players in the world, including victories over Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka. Her fearless approach to the game has earned her a spot in the top 10 rankings and she shows no signs of slowing down.
Swiatek, on the other hand, burst onto the scene in 2020 with her stunning victory at the French Open. The young Polish player demonstrated incredible skill and composure on her way to capturing her first Grand Slam title. Since then, Swiatek has continued to impress, consistently performing at a high level and climbing up the rankings.
Both Sabalenka and Swiatek are setting new standards for excellence in women’s tennis, pushing themselves to reach new heights and inspiring fans around the world. Their fierce competitiveness and unwavering determination make them a formidable duo on the WTA tour, and it’s clear that they are just getting started.
As they continue to push the limits at the top of the WTA rankings, Sabalenka and Swiatek are sure to be players to watch in the coming years. Their talent, drive, and passion for the game make them true champions in every sense of the word.
Tags:
#Sabalenka #Swiatek #pushing #limits #top #WTA
The Australian Open is bubbling up nicely with the three leading women’s singles contenders all still battling for the title.
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka, second seed Iga Swiatek, and third seed Coco Gauff are all yet to drop a set in Melbourne, but the title was not the only thing at stake heading into the tournament.
All three had opportunities to end the tournament as the world No 1, with incumbent – and defending champion – Sabalenka facing the most pressure in terms of points to defend.
With two rounds of action done, we look at what’s now at stake in the battle for the top spot.
With impressive wins over Sofia Kenin and Jodie Burrage to start her campaign, Gauff is well in contention to win her second Grand Slam singles title this fortnight.
However, her (admittedly slim) chances of ending the tournament as the world No 1 are now over, thanks to Swiatek making the third round.
The American can move to a maximum of 8,108 points with a run to the title, while Swiatek has already moved to 8,120 points after matching her round three result from 2024.
That ensures Gauff cannot rise to the top of the WTA Rankings for the first time after the event, though she could still overtake Sabalenka and move back to her career-high of world No 2.
For that to happen, she would need to lift the title and hope defending champion Sabalenka does not reach the last four.
John McEnroe delivers Emma Raducanu verdict ahead of Iga Swiatek clash
Watch: Danielle Collins riles up Australian Open crowd with hilarious celebration
Having matched her round three run from 2024, Swiatek no longer has any more points to defend in Melbourne – meaning any further match wins will see her increase her total of ranking points.
In contrast, Sabalenka – ahead of Friday’s third round against Clara Tauson – still has 1,870 points to defend after earning 2000 points for her title run 12 months ago.
Now Swiatek has reached the third round, world No 1 Sabalenka must reach the semi-finals to have any chance of hanging onto her ranking.
That does not change should Swiatek progress to the fourth round and then the quarter-finals, though if the Pole reaches the semi-final, Sabalenka would then have to make the final.
Should the top two seeds then meet in the final, the winner would hold the world No 1 ranking come Monday.
Potential ranking points for Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
Sabalenka could move one step closer to defending her ranking and title on Friday when she faces the unseeded Tauson inside the Rod Laver Arena.
The Belarusian could then face 14th seed Mirra Andreeva in the fourth round and then 12th seed Diana Shnaider in the quarter-final – with projected opponent, fifth seed Zheng Qinwen, already out.
That could set up a semi-final against third seed Gauff, who she beat in the last four a year ago.
Having beaten Rebecca Sramkova on Thursday, Swiatek will return to court on Saturday for a round three clash against Emma Raducanu.
If she wins that match, she’ll face Jaqueline Cristian or Eva Lys in the fourth round, before a projected quarter-final against eighth seed Emma Navarro, and a semi-final versus fourth seed Jasmine Paolini.
The highly anticipated match between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka at the upcoming tennis tournament has fans buzzing with excitement. Both players have been in top form recently, making this match a must-watch for tennis enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, rising star Coco Gauff has been knocked out of contention in the tournament, leaving fans disappointed but eager to see how Swiatek and Sabalenka will fare against each other. With their impressive skills and determination, it’s sure to be an intense and thrilling match that will keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting showdown between two of the best in the game!
Tags:
Iga Swiatek vs Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, tennis match, WTA, Grand Slam, women’s singles, sports news, tournament update, player analysis, match highlights
#Iga #Swiatek #Aryna #Sabalenka #Coco #Gauff #contention
Novak Djokovic suffered a surprise 7-6 (6), 6-3 defeat to Reilly Opelka in the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International on Friday while the women’s No 1, Aryna Sabalenka, cruised into the semi-finals with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Marie Bouzkova.
Djokovic was punished for a flat, impotent performance as he struggled to impose himself against an excellent Opelka. The defeat marks another missed opportunity for Djokovic as he pursues a milestone 100th title. He will now head to Melbourne to complete preparations for the Australian Open, a much greater priority, where he will meet up with Andy Murray for their first tournament together.
Opelka, meanwhile, was inspired from the beginning of the match and held his composure in the final moments as he served out to love for the biggest win of his career. Opelka stands at 6ft 11in and the American boasts one of the biggest serves in the world, which he used superbly, firing 16 aces and facing only one break point throughout.
“He’s the greatest tennis player the sport has ever seen,” said Opelka. “It’s difficult being in that position. He can scout me and the other opponents all day long. The reality is we have nothing to lose coming in against him. He’s the greatest player ever so you end up playing more free and you end up going and taking a lot more risks because it’s your only chance.
“If you play your normal level or even above your level, he’s going to win every time. It’s tough in his position because he gets guys who are good players that roll the dice. On a day like this when all the things go my way, that’s how it works out.”
The victory marks a significant step forward for Opelka, who was off the ATP tour for almost two years between 2022 and 2024 after undergoing two wrist operations and a hip surgery. Having been ranked as highly as No 17 in 2022, Opelka is currently No 293 and entering tour-level tournaments with a protected ranking as he tries to return to the top levels of the sport consistently.
“It was tough,” he said. “A lot of months, there were a lot of doubts. I definitely watched a lot of my friends on the TV, I watched Tommy [Paul], Taylor [Fritz], Frances [Tiafoe] and Ben [Shelton] do great, which was fun but also motivating for me, it definitely kept me interested in the sport. I watched Novak become the greatest and then two years on, a lot of the time you find yourself wondering: ‘What would Novak do?’ in that situation.”
Sabalenka, meanwhile, has eased into the 2025 season with a string of solid performances before her Australian Open title defence next week. She has now won 26 of her past 27 matches in Australia, a run that includes two consecutive Australian Open titles, a WTA 500 title in Adelaide and a final last year in Brisbane. She is yet to drop a set in her first three matches this year.
after newsletter promotion
Sabalenka will face a much tougher challenge in Saturday’s semi-final against the in-form 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who defeated Ons Jabeur 6-4, 7-6 (2). Andreeva upset Sabalenka in the quarter-finals of last year’s French Open.
“We had great battles in the past and we played an exhibition together in Abu Dhabi so I got to know her a little better,” said Sabalenka. “Nice person, great player and I always have great battles against her.
Aggressive player, serving well, moving well, hitting the ball quite clean so it’s going to be a great battle against her.”
In a shocking turn of events, Novak Djokovic suffered a surprising defeat in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International tournament. The world number one, who was the top seed in the tournament, was upset by an unseeded opponent in a three-set thriller.
On the other hand, Aryna Sabalenka continued her impressive run in Brisbane as she breezed through to the semifinals with a dominating performance. The Belarusian player, who is seeded second in the tournament, showcased her powerful game and proved why she is considered a rising star in the women’s tennis circuit.
Djokovic’s unexpected loss has certainly shaken up the competition in Brisbane, with fans and analysts left wondering what went wrong for the Serbian superstar. Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s strong showing has solidified her status as a contender for the title.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Sabalenka as she looks to continue her winning streak and claim the championship. Stay tuned for more updates on the Brisbane International and the latest developments in the world of tennis.
Tags:
#Novak #Djokovic #crashes #Brisbane #Aryna #Sabalenka #eases #Tennis
