Beijing: Aryna Sabalenka’s Winning Streak Rolls On at China Open
So, we’re in the heart of Beijing, and let me tell you, the tennis action here is absolutely electric! Aryna Sabalenka, the powerhouse of the hard courts, is showing everyone just what she’s made of as she flew past Ashlyn Krueger with a commanding score of 6-2, 6-2 on Monday. This victory is her 14th win in a row – wow, that’s impressive!
A Winning Streak to Remember
The three-time Grand Slam champion has been on fire, starting her streak with that big title win at Cincinnati back in August. And to top it off, she kept her momentum going with a championship win at the U.S. Open earlier this month. But wait, there’s more! She also took home the trophy from the Australian Open earlier in the year. Can you believe it? Someone’s been practicing hard!
In her match against Krueger, Sabalenka was a force to be reckoned with, converting five out of her seven breakpoint chances. She was relentless! Next up, she’s set to take on Madison Keys, and here’s a little tidbit: Sabalenka is hoping to equal her personal best of 15 consecutive wins that she set back in 2020-21. It’s definitely going to be a showdown!
Madison Keys Makes Her Mark
Speaking of Madison Keys, she managed to knock Beatrice Haddad Maia – who just won the Korea Open – off her game with a 6-3, 6-3 victory. Haddad Maia struggled against the intense baseline game that Keys brought to the table. So now, we’ve got the stage set for a thrilling match between Sabalenka and Keys. Can’t wait to see it!
Naomi Osaka Bounces Back
Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka is also making waves as she gears up for a round of 16 match against Coco Gauff. Osaka had a satisfying match against Katie Volynets, cruising through with a 6-3, 6-2 scoreline. This will be a first-time face-off in over two years between these two Grand Slam champions, and both have their eyes on that next big win. It promises to be a thrilling matchup!
Osaka fired off five aces and made three breaks. She’s not just playing; she’s making a statement. It’s clear that joining forces with new coach Patrick Mouratoglou is already paying off for her. It’s been quite the journey for Osaka, especially since making her comeback from maternity leave at the start of this season. She’s currently at number 73 in the rankings, but don’t count her out. Three consecutive wins? Yes, please!
Another Day, Another Match
In other matches, Anna Kalinskaya was on a serious roll until her opponent Peyton Sterns retired while Kalinskaya was leading. That’s how you shift momentum! And as for Karolina Muchova, she decisively beat Jaqueline Cristian with a 6-1, 6-3 score, so she’s one to watch as well.
Men’s Draw Shines Too
Switching gears to the men’s draw, Andrey Rublev took care of business against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, finishing up with a 6-4, 7-5 victory after their match was delayed due to rain. Rublev was impressive, landing six aces and 21 winners, and now he’ll be squaring off against local favorite Bu Yunchaokete in the quarterfinals.
Final Thoughts
As the competition heats up at the China Open, fans are in for a thrill ride with some fierce matchups coming up. The players are stepping it up a notch, and we can’t wait to see who comes out on top here in Beijing!
