Sabalenka survives Potapova to reach Australian Open last 16
World number one Aryna Sabalenka reached the Australian Open fourth round in Melbourne after edging out Anastasia Potapova on Saturday, overcoming emotional turmoil to secure a 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (9-7) victory. The two-time champion looked in complete control at a set and 4-0 up, but lost rhythm as Potapova mounted a fierce comeback, forcing Sabalenka to save four set points before closing the match.
“I was emotionally all over the place,” Sabalenka admitted after the win. “At some point I felt completely disconnected from my body.” The 27-year-old added that earlier in her career she would not have survived such moments: “Aryna five years ago would have lost this match for sure.”
Sabalenka, who has reached at least the semi-finals in 13 of her last 16 Grand Slams and won four majors in three seasons, pointed to mental growth as the difference. “It doesn’t matter how you feel,” she said. “When nothing works, the only tactic is to fight.”
The Belarusian now remains firmly on course for a third Australian Open title.