MelbourneAustralia – sky 4 The action settled into a rhythm at the Australian Open, with the top seeds advancing in controlled fashion, some emerging players making statements, and several matches where the deciding factor was no longer pyrotechnics but discipline and execution.
No. 1 in the world 1 Aryna Sabalenka continues her efficient start to the match, eliminating Bai Zhuoxuan 6-3, 6-1 Entering the third round. Sabalenka was largely untroubled, dominating the match from the baseline and dropping serve only once in the Chinese qualifying round.
“I’m confident in my game,” Sabalenka said. “I served well and found my shot early, which is important here. “
On the men’s side, Carlos Alcaraz put in one of the sharpest performances of the day, taking the lead in a tight start before pulling away. 7-6 (4), 6-3, 6-2 Defeated Yannick Hanfman. Alcaraz was patient in the early exchanges and then raised his game early in the game, using his speed to extend plays and force turnovers.
“When the game got closer, I stayed calm,” Alcaraz said. “After I broke through in the first set, I felt much more comfortable.”
American Coco Gauff was similarly composed, outscoring Olga Danilovic 6-2, 6-2 The game was rarely out of her control. The third seed served cleanly and got the ball early, preventing Danilovic from entering the match.
““I thought I did a good job of being aggressive but not rushing. That was the key today,” Goff said.
Alexander Zverev faced a more physical test as he dropped a set before rallying to defeat Alexander Muller in four sets. Zverev relied on his serve late in the match to steady himself after momentum swings and avoid the kind of early exits that have plagued him in Melbourne in the past.
Home favorite Alex De Minaur provided the loudest moment of the day as he shook off a first-set loss and a rain delay to fall behind Hamad Medjedovic 6-7, 6-2, 6-2, 6-1. Once play resumed, De Minaur’s pace and consistency proved decisive.
“I knew I had to be patient,” De Minaur said. “Even after losing the first set, I still felt like I was playing right. “
Among many outstanding results, teenager Mirra Andreeva defeated Maria Sakkari in one of the most eye-catching wins of the tournament 6-0, 6-4. Andreeva struck cleanly from both sides, never allowing the former semifinalist to establish a rhythm.
Not all news is positive for the former champion. Emma Raducanu crashed out in straight sets, but inconsistency in crucial moments allowed Anastasia Potapova to advance.
As the game progresses into the second round, the gap is narrowing. sky 4 A reminder that at Melbourne Park, progress often comes not just from talent, but from patience, consistency and the ability to seize the opportunity when it finally presents itself.
