Top seed Aryna Sabalenka continued her impressive run at the China Open, securing her 15th consecutive victory by defeating Madison Keys 6-4, 6-3 on Wednesday. The reigning US Open champion demonstrated her skill and determination, advancing to the quarterfinals where she will face either Karolina Muchova from the Czech Republic or Spain's Cristina Bucsa.
Sabalenka, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, has outperformed all other players on tour this season and showed her dominance in the match against Keys, who is ranked 24th. The encounter unfolded on a sunny day in Beijing, with both players exchanging breaks early in the first set before Sabalenka took control to close it out.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with Keys struggling to find her rhythm. A crucial double fault from Keys on the first match point handed Sabalenka the victory after just 65 minutes of play. This win further solidifies Sabalenka's momentum as she aims for the title.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka is on a potential semifinal collision course with China’s Olympic champion, Zheng Qinwen, who is set to face 43rd-ranked Amanda Anisimova later in the day. With a chance to overtake Iga Swiatek at the top of the rankings, Sabalenka's performance in Beijing is pivotal, especially since Swiatek is absent from the tournament due to personal matters.
ADD A COMMENT :