Jan 17, (V7N) - Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka fought through a tough challenge to defeat Denmark’s Clara Tauson 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 on Friday, advancing to the fourth round of the Australian Open. Despite struggling with her serve, Sabalenka pushed herself to the limit in the two-hour battle on Rod Laver Arena to stay on course for a third consecutive Melbourne Park title.

Sabalenka’s serving woes resurfaced, as she was broken early by world number 42 Tauson and faced multiple setbacks throughout the match. However, the world number one managed to stay composed, saving break points and clinching the first set with a powerful forehand on her fifth set point.

The second set mirrored the first with both players exchanging breaks. Sabalenka finally broke Tauson after a marathon game at 4-4 and held her nerve to close out the match. Reflecting on the challenge, Sabalenka admitted the conditions made serving difficult but expressed relief at overcoming the test.

Sabalenka extended her Melbourne winning streak to 17 matches and will next face either Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva or Poland’s Magdalena Frech. She is aiming for a rare third straight Australian Open title, a feat last achieved by Martina Hingis 26 years ago.

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