Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka remains unbeaten in 2023 with emphatic win over Elise Mertens to reach last 16

Aryna Sabalenka has powered her way into the last 16 of the Australian Open after a 6-2 6-3 win over Belgium’s Elise Mertens.

Sabalenka has not dropped a set after seven matches played in 2023 and had no issues against Mertens in their third round match, sealing her progression in one hour and 15 minutes.

“I’m just focused on myself and try to keep it up,” Sabalenka said when asked about her unbeaten run this year.

“I’m just enjoying being here and enjoying the atmosphere more.

“I’m playing a little bit better than last year which is probably why I’m enjoying it more. Maybe that’s the difference.”

Sabalenka’s power from the baseline and precision at the net saw her cruise through the first set where she hit 12 winners and made just four unforced errors, winning 92 per cent of her points off her first serve.

The set was sealed by the 24-year-old when Mertens hit a forehand long after a blistering forehand from Sabalenka.

It was the same weapon that put Sabalenka 2-0 up in the second set, but Mertens pulled the break back in the very next game.

Mertens did her best to counter the power of Sabalenka from the baseline, but she was broken on her own serve again when the Belarusian thumped another forehand winner before comfortably serving out the match in the next game.

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