Melbourne, Jan 21 (UNI) World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka emerged as the standout performer as second-round matches in the top half of both singles draws got underway on Wednesday at the Australian Open, with the leading seeds largely enjoying a smooth passage into the third round at Melbourne Park. Two-time champion Sabalenka continued her dominant run at Rod Laver Arena, overpowering Chinese qualifier Zhuoxuan Bai 6-3 6-1 to underline her status as the player to beat in the women’s draw. The reigning Brisbane champion has now won an astonishing 45 of her last 50 sets at the Australian Open, reinforcing her remarkable consistency on the Melbourne hard courts.
