Sabalenka Improving At Australian Open While Halep, Swiatek Sharp; Barty v Anisimova Tonight

World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka played her best match of the year. Troubled by double faults, the Belarussian “only” hit 10 Saturday at the Australian Open in a 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 win over silver medalist Marketa Vondrousova.

Sabalenka had to once again come from a set behind, but played the best two sets of her season thus far in the second and third.

“Of course I’m proud of myself that I was able, after the first set, to come back,” Sabalenka said. “It was really tough. I was really tight in the first set. Conditions were really tough today. I’m really happy that I pushed myself so hard and I came back.”

Sabalenka still has amassed 80 double faults in five matches as she moves into a fourth round meeting with Kaia Kanepi.

Former French champions Simona Halep and Iga Swiatek both stayed in form. Halep, who made the 2018 Australian Open finals, crushed Danke Kovinic 6-2, 6-1. Halep has lost just 12 games in three matches.

“It was a great match,” Halep said. “I think I played good tennis. She was a little bit tired and exhausted, but I’m pleased with the way I played. I feel good to be in the second week.”

Swiatek kept pace with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Daria Kasatkina. She, too, has lost just 12 games.

“For sure, that was really intense match,” said Swiatek. “I feel like I’m playing better and better every match, so that’s positive. “Tactically, I did a pretty good job of not letting her use her topspin on the forehand, and I’m glad that I was the first one to switch the direction maybe to the line so I could have more initiative.”

Former semifinalists Elise Mertens and Danielle Collins set a fourth round encounter.

Alize Cornet celebrated her 32nd birthday with a comeback 3-set win over French semifinalist Tamara Zidansek. She’ll be next for Halep. Sorona Cirstea also advanced.

On Sunday, Ash Barty is back to meet the resurgent American Amanda Anisimova. Two-time champion Victoria Azarenka locks up with reigning Roland Garros winner Barbara Krejcikova. Paula Badosa battles 2014 semifinalist Madison Keys and Maria Sakkari meets 2021 quarterfinalist Jessica Pegula.

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