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.

Updated on: 23 January 2026 7:27 pm

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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