Australia Open 2023 | Sabalenka barrels into last 16 as seeds prevail

Murray’s old rival Djokovic is clear favourite to win the Australian Open for a record-tying 22nd Grand Slam, but there are concerns about his left hamstring.

Hard-hitting Aryna Sabalenka burnished her Australian Open title credentials on January 21, 2023 as she barrelled into the last 16 along with several other women’s seeds.

The Belarusian fifth seed blew away 26th-seeded Elise Mertens 6-2, 6-3 to set up a clash with Olympic champion Belinda Bencic.

Thirtieth seed Karolina Pliskova and 23rd seed Zhang Shuai also went through in straight sets on day six at Melbourne Park, and will clash in the fourth round.

Sabalenka is building a head of steam in her pursuit of a first Grand Slam title.

The Minsk-born 24-year-old teased the Margaret Court Arena crowd for supporting Belgium’s Mertens over her, but said she was enjoying the ride into the second week.

Sabalenka is trying not to get carried away.

“About the favourite, that I am on that favourite list... I mean, it’s really good that I’m there,” said the Belarusian, who is yet to drop a set.