Novak Djokovic v Carlos Alcaraz; Tommy Paul v Alexander Zverev; Aryna Sabalenka v Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova results, scores, schedule, draw, how to watch
World No.1 and two-time reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka says serving conditions during her gruelling three-set quarter-final were “unbelievable”, and she was delighted to survive a big scare against Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on centre court.
Sabalenka has reached at least the semi-final stage at the past nine majors she’s played and fought off a determined challenge from veteran Pavlyuchenkova, winning 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 after nearly two hours on court.
Aryna Sabalenka reacts during her quarter-final match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.Credit: AP
“The wind was so strong. It was very difficult for both of us, I think,” said Sabalenka.
“[I’m] just super happy to get this win. It was very difficult one, and [I’m] really happy to get through this difficult match.”
Pavlyuchenkova noted the tough serving environment in the swirly conditions in Melbourne.
“Conditions were completely different from previous days because I was playing in the daytime. It was completely different courts,” she said.
“It was also really windy. Yeah, but I mean, obviously Aryna, she was quite consistent throughout the match hitting the ball, serving. So she’s a very tough opponent. Once the third set [started], I lost a little bit of concentration, then she right away took it.”
