World No. 1 Sabalenka battles hard to enter second week

Aryna Sabalenka

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 after suffering another bout of the serving jitters.

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The World No. 1 remained on track to win her third consecutive Melbourne Park title, but only after a rollercoaster scrap that lasted more than two hours on Rod Laver Arena. "That was a great battle," said Sabalenka.

"She played unbelievable tennis. It was really tough to play against her today. "I'm just super happy that I was able to just stay in the game and I was able to push myself, honestly, to the limit to get this win," she added.

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