Reigning women’s singles champion, Aryna Sabalenka, continued her title defence emphatically on Thursday afternoon, defeating Romanian Sorana Cirstea 6-3 6-3.
Sabalenka fired 31 winners to 11 in the 78-minute encounter to reach her 13th straight WTA quarterfinal – her last tournament where she did not reach the quarterfinals was in Dubai in February 2025.
“She’s [Cirstea] an incredible player, always pushed me really hard. Especially in the second set, it was a really great level from her,” Sabalenka said. “I’m super happy that I was able to close this match in straight sets.
“I was just trying to focus on my game, going into this match, on the things that I have to do to get the win.”
A potential Australian Open 2025 women’s singles final rematch awaits the world No.1, with Sabalenka set to face either Madison Keys or Diana Shnaider in the final eight.
Keys denied Sabalenka the opportunity to become the first player since Martina Hingis between 1997 and 1999 of winning three-consecutive Australian Open women’s singles titles, with the American winning her first-career Grand Slam crown.
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However, Sabalenka believes she is a better player for that shortcoming. Having since won 30 of her 36 hardcourt matches, including the US Open 2025 title, Sabalenka is ready to challenge Keys on Australian soil once again.
“Twelve months ago, I wasn’t really clear in my head after that loss, but honestly, she just overhit me, overplayed,” Sabalenka reflected on her AO 2025 defeat. “She played incredible tennis, and I have to say that loss really pushed me so hard to keep working, make sure it’s not going to happen again.
“If it’s going to be her [that I’m facing], I’m so excited to face her again in Australia.”
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