Aryna Sabalenka has said how she hopes to be more similar to Iga Swiatek after her latest 2024 Australian Open match.
The defending champion at the Australian Open already had good news off-court after the Olympic ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes was lifted. Sabalenka expressed her happiness with the decision after it was made.
Sabalenka is likely to be even more content with how she is playing on-court. Last year's US Open runner-up usually dominated her early-round matches at Grand Slams, and she did that again by losing just six games in her three opening matches.
However, the 25-year-old was even more dominant than usual in her third-round contest at the Australian Open. Sabalenka demolished Lesia Tsurenko 6-0 6-0. The match only lasted 52 minutes and was one of the most one-sided ever.
Bagel sets are something that Swiatek is known for, having won the most sets 6-0 last season on the WTA Tour by a very comfortable margin.
Sabalenka was asked about her early-round dominance after the Tsurenko match and playfully cited Swiatek in her response.
"Well last year Iga won so many sets 6-0. This is one of the goals. Try to get closer to her."
The Belarusian did then elaborate further on her high level since the opening Grand Slam of the year, and said she was both happy with her level and grateful for the support of the crowd.
"I'm just super happy with the level I'm playing so far and hopefully I can just keep going like that or even better. And I just really enjoy playing in front of you guys so thank you so much for the support and for watching us today."
Sabalenka's next match is against Amanda Anisimova. The American is enjoying a great comeback after a break, and beat Paula Badosa in round three with a superb performance. It should be a fascinating contest.
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