By Darren Walton
Aryna Sabalenka is crediting her long-lost mental demons for taking her tennis to new grand slam-winning heights after charging into the Australian Open third round in Melbourne.
The world No.1 outclassed Chinese qualifier Zhuoxuan Bai 6-3 6-1 to post a 22nd win from her past 23 matches at Melbourne Park.
But while it’s all happy days now for the Belarusian, Sabalenka believes she would not be a four-time major winner without having to endure the depressing serving yips that once defined her as a grand slam under-achiever.
“I was really strict with my game. I didn’t want to move one step right or left and I think after I struggled with the double-faulting situation, I had no choice,” the 27-year-old said of how she dealt with the problem.
“So I had to open up for something new with the serve and then I realised, ‘OK, maybe this is the way to improve’.
“Like every time to search for something new, so that time in my life, which was a disaster, actually really taught me a lot and helped me a lot to improve my game.”
Her power game, with a touch of finesse, was on full display on Wednesday as the top seed took out Bai in 72 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.
“I feel great, happy to get this win,” Sabalenka said.
“A tricky, tricky opponent. She really stepped in the first set. For a moment I felt like, ‘OK, what should I do?’
“She’s crushing it and I’m super happy that I was able to close that set. That gave me a little more confidence to think ‘OK, I’m there. OK, my game is there’.
“Super happy with the win.”
Another early winner on Wednesday was Ukrainian veteran Elina Svitolina.
The 12th seed ended the run of Polish qualifier Linda Klimovicova 7-5 6-1 to continue her dazzling start to 2026.
The one-time world No.3 won the title in Auckland and has brought her hot form to Melbourne Park.
Little wonder why Svitolina says there’s no need for any tennis tips from hubby Gael Monfils after the veteran Frenchman called time on his Open career after his loss to Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny on Tuesday.
“He’s just a husband, I would say,” Svitolina said after booking a third-round date with Russian 23rd seed Diana Schnaider, who had a three-set win over Australian wildcard Talia Gibson on Wednesday.
“I mean, it’s difficult to escape and not talk about tennis because being both at such a high level and competing in the same tournament.
“Of course tennis is always a part of our life right now, but the years go on and I’m not sure how it’s going to be after but I’m sure we’re going to enjoy it as a family.”