Australian Open day six highlights

World number two Aryna Sabalenka found her range after a poor first set to beat Olympic silver medallist Marketa Vondrousova 4-6 6-3 6-1 and progress to the fourth round.

Sabalenka, who has struggled with her serve in Melbourne, joked that she was happy she “made only 10 double-faults” against Vondrousova. The Belarusian now faces Kaia Kanepi, who overcame wildcard Maddison Inglis 2-6 6-2 6-0.

Alize Cornet continued her fine run with a 4-6 6-4 6-2 win over 29th seed Tamara Zidansek to advance to the fourth round. Cornet, who was 1-4 down in the second set, clinched 11 of the last 13 games to take the win. She faces 14th seed Simona Halep next.

American 27th seed Danielle Collins came from a set down to claim a 4-6 6-4 7-5 win over Clara Tauson in the third round. Up next for Collins is 19th seed Elise Mertens, who swept aside Zhang Shuai 6-2 6-2.

Former world number one Simona Halep stormed into the fourth round with a 6-2 6-1 demolition of unseeded Danka Kovinic. Halep, a finalist at Melbourne Park four years ago, is aiming for her third major title.

“I feel good, more confident now because last year was a tough year and now I just enjoy playing tennis because I’m healthy,” said Halep.

Play at Melbourne Park got underway on all courts as scheduled on day six of the year’s first Grand Slam.

A warm day is expected for the matches with the temperature already at 27 Celsius (80 Fahrenheit) and a high of 33C forecast.

 

REUTERS