It wasn't often pretty, but two-time defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka has extended a few impressive streaks while becoming one of the first players to advance to the fourth round of the year's opening Grand Slam tournament.

The day's first match at Rod Laver Arena was hardly vintage tennis, but Sabalenka was pleased to come away unscathed.

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka has reached the fourth round of the 2025 Australian Open after defeating Denmark's Clara Tauson. The 26-year-old Belarusian clinched a hard-fought victory with a scoreline of 7-6 (5) 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka had to battle hard to beat Denmark’s Clara Tauson 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 on Friday and reach the second week of the Australian Open 2025 after suffering another bout of the serving jitters.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka said her struggles on serve in her gruelling win over Carla Tauson in the third round of the Australian Open on Friday were down to gusty conditions that weakened one of her most powerful weapons.