World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka steamrolled to the Australian Open quarter-finals with a crushing 6-1, 6-2 win over 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva on Sunday, MySportDab Reports.
The Belarusian stretched her winning run at Melbourne Park to 18 matches, lighting up the show court in just over an hour of clinic with 10th seed Pegula on Rod Laver Arena.
The 26-year-old Sabalenka denied Andreeva any revenge for her three-set defeat in last year’s French Open quarter-finals, keeping her composure and lifting her game at the crucial moments.
With the teenager, the 14th seed, having played a promising tournament, Andreeva had trouble radiating Sabalenka’s energy, dropping multiple break points on unforced errors.
“Always difficult matches against Andreeva; she’s young, and playing an amazing tennis,” Sabalenka said. “I’m really happy to get through this in straight sets.”
The top seed was steady with her serve and pounced on her high-pressure moments, staving off the only three break points she faced. Her all-around game, involving deft drop shots, offset her signature power game.
Sabalenka, who is aiming for a third consecutive Grand Slam title, will now wait for the winner of the match between Donna Vekic and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, in what will be her 11th Grand Slam quarter-final in 13 attempts.
Eyeing the championship, Sabalenka said she was pleased with how she played, adding, “I’m happy with my level and hope the conditions stay the same.”
