Sabalenka vs Vekic: A determined performance in beating Croatia’s Donna Vekic 6-3/ 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena, Belarusian Sabalenka appears to be a strong favorite to capture her maiden piece of Silverware.
On Wednesday at the Australian Open, Aryna Sabalenka lined up a Semi-final match with unheralded Magda Linette. Sabalenka, the 5th seed, is the highest surviving seed in a Women’s Event which has been shattered by surprises. Sabalenka, who had never been past the 4th round of a Grand Slam Tournament prior to this year, is still undefeated after 9 Matches to begin the Campaign and has yet to lose a set in Melbourne. Following the 1 hour, 49-minute triumph, Sabalenka changed the course of their career head-to-head matchup, defeating the Croatian for just the 2nd attempt in 7 encounters.
Aryna Sabalenka was Ruthless and Relentless
Sabalenka vs Vekic: Sabalenka hasn’t dropped a set in the Australian Open, and she hasn’t played a 3-set match in 2023 either. She has only lost 26 games in 10 sets so far in this event and has managed to win all 9 of her encounters in straight sets.
Although Sabalenka was able to shake them off, the double faults appeared to spread around the net. The 5th seed successfully defended a break point to take a 3-1 lead early on during Sabalenka vs Vekic matchup. But Vekic regained the lead after the 5th seed’s forehand malfunctioned.
Sabalenka vs Vekic: Donna Vekic’s Lucky Start
Sabalenka vs Vekic: The 2 were caught in an awkward struggle, with any rhythm appearing to be out of place. Sabalenka’s unlucky 6th double fault gave Vekic the opportunity to declare his love at Rod Laver Arena.
The ever-aggressive 24-year-old struck yet another hit with her signature forehand while maintaining her composure to retake the double-break lead and a 4-1 cushion.
Sabalenka vs Vekic: Sabalenka was strong with her service game
Sabalenka vs Vekic: The more skilled Sabalenka took advantage of 2 consecutive double faults from Vekic in the 8th game to secure a crucial breakthrough, and she saved a break point when holding for the set at 5-3.
Sabalenka earned 38 out of the 81 points she earned, or 47 percent. Which is an impressive number that she’s kept up through the first 5 Matches of the fortnight. The strong baseliner was durable on serve, preserving 12 of 14 break points despite an unwanted 9 double faults. Her 1st-serve rate decreased to 56%, still somewhat higher than Vekic‘s 50%.
Sabalenka vs Vekic: Sabalenka to face Linette next in the Semi-Finals
Sabalenka vs Vekic: The game was tighter than the scoreline would have you believe, but Sabalenka is on fire right now. She hasn’t lost a set in Melbourne and has won all 9 of her encounters so far in 2023. It is a far cry from last year when she had severe service issues. And broke down in tears during a warm-up Match for the Australian Open.
Aryna Sabalenka will face unranked Linette in Saturday’s encounter after making it into her maiden significant Semi-Final.
READ ALSO: Swiatek vs Bucsa
