Aryna Sabalenka Vs Anastasia Potapova, Australian Open: World No. 1 Survives Tight Test To Reach Fourth Round
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka gritted out a tough straight-sets win over Anastasia Potapova to reach the fourth round of the 2026 Australian Open, prevailing 7-6(4), 7-6(7) in a tightly contested women’s singles third-round clash at Rod Laver Arena. Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, was pushed all the way by Potapova, who saved multiple set points early and staged a fightback in the second set, but the world No. 1 held her nerve in both tie-breaks to seal victory. The match showcased high-intensity baseline rallies and pressure-tennis under the Melbourne sun, extending Sabalenka’s run into the second week, where she’ll face 19-year-old Victoria Mboko next.
Aryna Sabalenka, right, of Belarus, is congratulated by Anastasia Potapova, left, of Austria following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts after defeating Anastasia Potapova of Austria in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during her third round match against Anastasia Potapova of Austria at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Anastasia Potapova of Austria plays a forehand return to Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus serves to Anastasia Potapova of Austria during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Anastasia Potapova of Austria plays a forehand return to Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Anastasia Potapova of Austria plays a forehand return to Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a forehand return to Anastasia Potapova of Austria during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Anastasia Potapova of Austria serves to Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
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