Aryna Sabalenka triumphed over Rakotomanga Rajaonah at the 2026 Australian Open, marking another significant victory in her career. This match showcased her determination as she navigated a challenging start.
Sabalenka’s Impressive Australian Open Journey
Sabalenka, currently one of the top players in women’s tennis, has an outstanding track record in Australia. She has won consecutive titles in 2023 and 2024, demonstrating her dominance on Australian courts. Overall, she has lost only once in her last 22 matches at the Australian Open.
- Titles: 2023 and 2024 Australian Open Champion
- Consecutive Matches: 22 matches, with only one loss
- Career Titles in Australia: Five titles
Match Highlights Against Rajaonah
Facing off against world number 118, Rajaonah, Sabalenka encountered unexpected challenges. The first set was particularly tough, starting with a break in her opening serve. Despite quickly breaking back, she struggled with unforced errors, tallying 13 while hitting 16 winners.
However, after a tense moment saving a break point at 4-4, Sabalenka found her rhythm. She shifted gears to dominate the match, winning five straight games to claim victory.
Quotes from Sabalenka
Reflecting on her performance, Sabalenka noted, “I didn’t start my best. She showed up on fire and she was playing great.” Her resilience in overcoming a difficult start underlines her competitive spirit as she aims for a fourth consecutive final at the Australian Open.
Looking Ahead
In the upcoming rounds, Sabalenka is set to face either Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Bai Zhuoxuan. Additionally, she could meet Britain’s Emma Raducanu in a potential third-round matchup, adding to the excitement of the tournament.
