Australian Open
Sabalenka and Alcaraz in Melbourne in the round of 16
The world number one among women is not having the best day. Nevertheless, she made it to the round of 16. There is also another top star there.
The two world number one Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz are each in the round of 16 at the Australian Open. Last year’s finalist from Belarus prevailed in the third round against Anastasia Potapova, who has been playing for Austria since the beginning of the year, 7:6 (7:4), 7:6 (9:7) and was seriously challenged for the first time during the tournament. It was only after 2:02 hours that the two-time Melbourne winner converted her first match point.
Alcaraz had significantly less trouble with the Frenchman Corentin Moutet. At 6:2, 6:4, 6:1, the Spaniard only suffered a little slack in the second set when his concentration waned a bit. For Alcaraz it was his 87th victory in his 100th match at a Grand Slam tournament. The legendary Björn Borg had the same record after 100 Grand Slam singles. The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam tournament that Alcaraz has not yet won. The 22-year-old is now playing against American Tommy Paul.
Potapova gives away set balls
Sabalenka had great difficulties against Potapova. “She played unbelievably. But somehow I was able to fight back again and again,” said Sabalenka after what was at times a high-class game.
The first sentence between Sabalenka and Potapowa lasted more than an hour. After winning the round in a tiebreak, Sabalenka appeared to take control of the game at Rod Laver Arena. The tennis world number one pulled away to 4-0 in the second set before Potapova fought back again.
In the tiebreak, the Russian-born 24-year-old had four set points, but she couldn’t use them all. Instead, Sabalenka made it clear a little later that they would advance. The 27-year-old will now face 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko on Sunday.
dpa
