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The defending champion Aryna Sabalenka raced into the third round of the Australian Open. The Belarusian toppled the 16-year-old Brenda Fruhvritova 6-3, 6-2 in 67 minutes at Rod Laver Arena, playing well on serve and return and sailing over the top.
The young Czech passed the qualifying stage for the second straight year in Melbourne, notching her first Major victory and setting the clash against the defending champion. However, Sabalenka proved too strong, overpowering a teenager and praising her after the duel.
Aryna wished to have Brenda’s level at 16, predicting a bright future for the upcoming star if she keeps working hard. Two rivals had difficulties finding the first serve. It was hardly an obstacle for Sabalenka, who played against two break points and lost serve once.
Equipped with no powerful serve, Fruhvirtova struggled to follow that pace. The young gun dropped 44% of the points in her games and lost serve four times from six opportunities given to her rival.
Aryna Sabalenka praised Brenda Fruhvirtova after their Australian Open clash.
Aryna fired 30 winners and 22 unforced errors, taming her strokes nicely and keeping Brenda at seven direct points.
World no. 2 forged the advantage in the shortest and…
