Sabalenka comes through Tauson test to reach last 16

The Belarusian was pushed all the way by the former junior world No 1

January 17, 2025

Australian Open •Third round • completed

World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka survived the first true test in her quest for a third straight Australian Open title as she edged past Dane Clara Tauson 7-6 (5), 6-4 at Melbourne Park on Friday.

Tauson served for the first set at 5-4 but couldn’t close it out and Sabalenka then withstood a brave fight from the Dane as she wrapped up victory to seal a place in the last 16.

“It was a great battle,” Sabalenka said. “She played unbelievable tennis and it was really tough to play against her. I’m super-happy I could get the win.”

Sabalenka shows mental strength

The Belarusian, who now plays either Magdalena Frech, the No 23 seed from Poland, or Russian Mirra Andreeva, the No 14 seed, said she was proud of her mental strength as she battled what was a brilliant performance by former junior world No 1 Tauson.

“I was thinking, wow, girl, you are really tough,” she said. “But thanks to you guys (the crowd) for helping, it was a great atmosphere. Not easy conditions, heavy balls, slower on Rod Laver.”

The Belarusian won against American Sloane Stephens (6-3, 6-2) and Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (6-3, 7-5) earlier in the tournament.

In the previous rounds, Tauson, ranked No 42, edged out No 29 seed Linda Noskova (5-7, 6-3, 6-4) and defeated German Tatjana Maria (6-2, 6-2).

Melbourne (Grand Slam), other third-round results (Melbourne Park, hard, USD 60.627.573, most recent results first):