Thirteen is often considered an unlucky number – but that’s certainly not the case for Aryna Sabalenka.
The world No.2 notched her 13th consecutive win on Australian soil this evening, overpowering China’s Zhu Lin in third-round women’s singles action at Pat Rafter Arena.
A dominant Sabalenka, the winner of 13 WTA singles titles, took only 69 minutes to post a 6-1 6-0 victory.
Sabalenka was ruthless on return, winning all of world No.33 Zhu’s service games.
“I think I played a really great match,” Sabalenka said. “Even though the score was 6-1 6-0, it wasn’t that easy. It was a really tight, close match and she played really great tennis.
“Of course I’m super happy with the level and with the win.”
This propels the top-seeded Sabalenka into a quarterfinal meeting with world No.18 Daria Kasatkina, a player she beat twice during her career-best 2023 season.
Sabalenka enters this clash, which will open the evening session at Pat Rafter Arena tomorrow, ready for a new challenge.
“I’m trying to not focus on previous results,” Sabalenka said of her goals this summer.
“I’m just trying to build everything from the beginning and hope I can improve my game even more.”
> VIEW: Brisbane International 2024 women’s singles draw
In other women’s singles action today, Elena Rybakina breezed past Belgian Elise Mertens. The world No.4 conceded only 11 points on serve in a swift 6-1 6-0 victory.
Her quarterfinal opponent Anastasia Potapova spent much longer on court, needing three hours and 26 minutes to battle past sixth seed Veronika Kudermetova. The 11th seed eventually prevailed 7-5 6-7(7) 6-4.
Teen sensations Mirra Andreeva and Linda Noskova continued their winning runs to set up a tantalising quarterfinal showdown.
The 16-year-old Andreeva eliminated Australia’s last-standing woman, Arina Rodionova, while 19-year-old Noskova fought past Argentine qualifier Julia Riera in three sets.
Victoria Azarenka was also a third-round winner, setting up a quarterfinal clash with fellow Grand Slam champion, third seed Jelena Ostapenko.
All quarterfinal matches are scheduled to be played tomorrow at the Queensland Tennis Centre, with play beginning from 11am.