Sabalenka vs Bencic: Aryna Sabalenka defeated Belinda Bencic 7-5/ 6-2 on Monday at Rod Laver Arena to advance to her 1st Australian Open Quarterfinal. The matchup among the Top 10 women was much awaited. For the 3rd consecutive year, No. 5 seed Sabalenka advanced to the Round of 16 in Australia, and this time, she moved one further by defeating No. 12 seed Bencic in 87 mins after recovering from a 1st-set breakdown. Both Sabalenka and Bencic are currently on fire in Australia this season, and they entered the year’s 1st Grand Slam as the leading competitors.
Before their matchup in the round of 16, they had both just captured Championships in Adelaide, had not yet dropped a set in Melbourne, and were indeed riding 7-match winning streaks.
Aryna Sabalenka Kept the Momentum Going Since the Start
Sabalenka vs Bencic: The opening set was characterized by powerful groundstrokes: a great shot down the line opened up Bencic’s early advantage for a 2-1 lead, and she eventually won 4-2. However, Sabalenka regained the hold for a 4-4 tie with a stunning crosscourt backhand during Sabalenka vs Bencic contest.
As the opening set went on, Sabalenka kept the momentum going, holding serve at love for the first time to get to 6-5. Following a successful forehand return in the following round. Sabalenka was awarded a double set point, and Bencic’s double-fault gave up the 1-set advantage to the No. 5 seed.
Sabalenka vs Bencic: Aryna Sabalenka’s Aggressive Performance
With a breakthrough for 3-1 in the 2nd set. Sabalenka finally established control with her aggressive game, and she cruised to win after that. Sabalenka swept the encounter with 32 points, far more than Bencic’s 14 during Sabalenka vs Bencic encounter.
After 52 minutes, Bencic served her 4th double fault to provide the lead. Aryna Sabalenka had 2 set opportunities after smashing a forehand smash winner beyond the Swiss Bencic at 5-6.
Sabalenka vs Bencic: Belinda Bencic made plenty of errors
Sabalenka vs Bencic: Strong groundstrokes were prevalent in the opening set, which Bencic finally claimed 4-2. A superb forehand down the line enabled her early break for a 2-1 advantage. Sabalenka, though, came back to square the game at 4 all with a powerful crosscourt backhand.
As the initial set progressed, Sabalenka maintained her lead, maintaining serve at love for the 1st time to make it 6-5. Bencic’s double-fault to deny Sabalenka a double set point. As she successfully returned a forehand in the subsequent game, giving the No. 5 seed the 1st set.
Sabalenka vs Bencic: Sabalenka to face Donna Vekic next
Sabalenka vs Bencic: When the score was 2-1 in the 2nd, Sabalenka stepped up the concentration and smashed deep returns. Bencic, who is no stranger to powerful tennis ball strikes, had to flee.
On break point, the Swiss likewise failed, serving her 9th double fault. In the following round, Sabalenka, sensing the conclusion was near, powered down a 4th ace to increase her advantage to 4-1 during the Sabalenka vs Bencic matchup. Another forehand strike secured a 2nd break and the game came quickly to a conclusion. Sabalenka to meet Donna Vekic in the subsequent contest.
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