Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka races into second round after easy win over Tereza Martincova in Melbourne

Aryna Sabalenka has raced into the second round of the Australian Open with an easy 6-1 6-4 win over world No. 74 Tereza Martincova.

The former world No. 2 followed up her recent title success at the Adelaide 1 tournament, where she did not drop a set, by easing her way past her Czech opponent into the second round in stifling hot conditions on Rod Laver Arena.

The Belarusian, who is playing under a neutral flag at this year’s tournament, will play USA’s Shelby Rogers next.

Sabalenka is looking to improve on her fourth round exits in the 2021 and 2022 editions of the first Grand Slam of the year.

When asked in her on-court interview what she needs to improve on to win the Australian Open, Sabalenka said: “I think I need to work on my mindset, I need to improve on fighting for every point and don’t get upset at every mistake I make.

“I really believe that this is the only thing missing in my game.”

Sabalenka was 0-40 down at 1-1, but her first serve was firing well. She was able to secure the first break in the fourth game, racing to a 0-40 lead before taking it on her third attempt with a fierce backhand forcing an error from Martincova.

Momentum was firmly with Sabalenka who broke in Martincova’s next service game with four points in a row to take a 5-1 lead. The world No. 5 wrapped up the opening set with another ferocious backhand.

At 1-1 in the second set Sabalenka was given the opportunity to take the break lead after a double fault from Martincova. A blistering return of serve from Sabalenka off her reliable forehand sealed it.

Martincova fought hard to hold her remaining service games, but she could not counter Sabalenka’s aggression on her serve or stop the 24-year-old from progressing into round two.

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