Sabalenka channels composure to advance in Melbourne
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka overcomes a qualifier’s stubborn resistance at the Australian Open, turning early irritation into a statement win that hints at deeper title contention.
On January 21, 2026, inside Rod Laver Arena, Aryna Sabalenka tore through the first five games against Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan in just 15 minutes, her serves kicking high and forehands landing with thudding authority on the hard courts. The two-time Australian Open champion, riding a perfect 6-0 start to the year, seemed destined for another straightforward victory in her quest for a third title. But Bai, ranked No. 702, dug in with surprising rally depth and shot variety, flipping the script and drawing out frustration from the top seed as the set stretched into a battle of wills.
“She really stepped up in the first set, and for a minute, I was like, ‘What should I do? She’s crushing it,'” Sabalenka said in her on-court interview. “I’m so happy that I was able to close that set. I think it gave me a little more confidence that my game was there ... I’m super happy with the win.”
“There are always things to improve, but I’m happy that I didn’t lose that game and I was focused. I was trying to tell myself, ‘One at a time, it’s OK, it’s going to come back, you’re OK, keep fighting, keep trying,' and I’m glad I did it well.”
Bai’s crosscourt backhands sliced low, forcing Sabalenka to bend and retrieve, while her underspin returns neutralized the heavy topspin that usually pins opponents deep. The qualifier held three straight games, all to deuce, as the crowd’s hum built with each prolonged exchange, testing the world No. 1’s patience on a surface that demands precision amid the pace. For the latest on the tournament, follow the Scores, Draws, or Order of play.
Qualifier exposes familiar vulnerabilities
Sabalenka’s early dominance evaporated as Bai’s movement allowed her to redirect inside-out forehands back down the line, turning routine points into scrambles. Frustration etched the top seed’s features, a echo of past Grand Slam meltdowns, with 14 of her 21 unforced errors clustering in those opening nine games. She whispered self-talk between points, drawing on offseason mental drills to steady her breathing amid the arena’s rising tension.
At 5-3, serving for the set, six chances slipped away under Bai’s relentless returns, the ball zipping crosscourt to keep Sabalenka pinned. The ninth game dragged to another deuce, the air thick with anticipation as the underdog’s grit threatened to extend the frame. Yet the world No. 1 reset, firing an unreturnable serve to earn a seventh set point, then sealing it with an ace that ripped through the silence.
The 6-3 set win unleashed a fist pump that rippled through the stands, shifting momentum decisively. Bai’s variety had forced adjustments, but Sabalenka’s power began to reassert itself, her 1–2 patterns of serve and forehand starting to carve openings. This pivot not only buried the irritation but set the stage for a more commanding finish.
Second set unleashes dominant rhythm
In the second frame, Sabalenka accelerated, her inside-in forehands pulling Bai wide before down-the-line finishes closed points sharply. The qualifier faded under the onslaught, her defense cracking as the top seed’s 24 winners piled up, showcasing the raw edge that thrives on Melbourne’s predictable bounce. The match clocked 1 hour and 12 minutes, ending 6-1 and propelling her into the third round among the last 32.
Quick out of the gates, then made to work. Aryna Sabalenka takes the first set over Bai 6-3 at #AO26 pic.twitter.com/PfZGs42Ljc — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2026.
Quick out of the gates, then made to work.
Aryna Sabalenka takes the first set over Bai 6-3 at #AO26 🤝 pic.twitter.com/PfZGs42Ljc— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2026
As the draw deepens, this scrape sharpens Sabalenka’s focus, blending her explosive game with the composure needed to navigate upsets. With familiar courts underfoot and expectations high, her path forward promises tests that could forge another championship run. The top seed walks off court lighter, ready to build on this resilient step.
