Australian Open 2024: Sabalenka Storms Through, Badosa Bows Out.
The Australian Open is heating up, and some big names are making their mark, while others are facing unexpected setbacks. Here’s a quick rundown of two major headlines from Day 6:
Sabalenka Serves Up a Double Bagel Delight:
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is looking every bit the dominant force she was last year, absolutely crushing Lesia Tsurenko in the third round with a clinical 6-0, 6-0 victory. It was a masterclass of aggressive tennis from the Belarusian, who barely gave Tsurenko a look-in the entire 52-minute match. Sabalenka’s powerful groundstrokes and pinpoint serving were simply too much for the Ukrainian, who could only watch as her opponent dictated the play from start to finish.
This win marks Sabalenka’s fifth “double bagel” of the season already, a testament to her newfound consistency and focus. She’s clearly motivated to repeat her 2023 championship run, and with this kind of form, she’s looking like a strong contender to make it all the way again.
Badosa’s Australian Open Journey Halted:
In a surprise upset, Spanish star Paula Badosa’s Australian Open campaign came to an end in the third round, falling to American rising star Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 4-6, 6-7(5). Badosa, seeded fourth in the tournament, looked poised for a deep run after cruising through her opening two matches, but Anisimova played with grit and determination, eventually outlasting the Spaniard in a tense three-setter.
This is a significant win for Anisimova, who is making her return to the tour after taking eight months off for mental health reasons. Her resilience and talent were on full display in this victory, and she’ll be hoping to build on this momentum as the tournament progresses.
What’s Next?
Sabalenka’s next challenge will be Amanda Anisimova, who will be looking to continue her giant-killing run. It promises to be an exciting clash of styles, with Sabalenka’s power against Anisimova’s athleticism and fighting spirit. As for Badosa, she’ll be hoping to regroup and refocus for the upcoming clay-court season, where she has traditionally found more success.
The Australian Open is wide open with plenty of storylines still unfolding. Stay tuned for more updates as the champions emerge and the underdogs defy expectations!
DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
