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Sabalenka Survives Potapova Scare at Australian Open
23 Jan
Summary
- Aryna Sabalenka defeated Anastasia Potapova in a tight 7-6(4) 7-6(7) match.
- Potapova switched nationality from Russia to Austria before the tournament.
- Sabalenka advanced to her sixth consecutive fourth round at Melbourne Park.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open after a fiercely contested match against Anastasia Potapova on Friday. The Belarusian top seed secured a tense 7-6(4) 7-6(7) victory, fending off a significant challenge.
Potapova, who recently switched her nationality to represent Austria after previously competing for Russia, displayed impressive form. She pushed Sabalenka to the brink, especially in the second set where she mounted a comeback from 4-0 down to force a tiebreak. Despite holding four set points, Potapova was ultimately unable to convert.
Sabalenka acknowledged the difficulty of the match, describing it as an emotional struggle where she had to fight for every point. This win marks Sabalenka's sixth consecutive appearance in the fourth round at Melbourne Park, where she has won the title twice previously. She is now set to face Canadian 17th seed Victoria Mboko in the next round.
