Fearless at the net: How Sabalenka solved an unknown opponent to kick off Australian Open

MELBOURNE, Australia -- World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka’s quest to make a fourth straight Australian Open final started on a high note Sunday, defeating Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah, who tested Sabalenka in the first set.

The wild card gave it everything against the highest-ranked opponent in her career on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz, but the two-time Australian Open champion’s experience prevailed in the 6-4, 6-1 victory at Rod Laver Arena to begin the night session.

"I think I didn't really start at my best and was struggling to find my rhythm," Sabalenka said to reporters. "But then I feel like in the last two games of the first set I found my rhythm, and I was able to step in and play a little bit better tennis."

What led to Sabalenka's victory?

Sabalenka really took advantage of the momentum and security of winning the first set. Breaking Rakotomanga Rajaonah’s serve to end the first set allowed Sabalenka to serve for a 1-0 lead. Quickly, the second-set lead blossomed to a 3-0. It was evident Sabalenka’s power behind her shot was too much for Rakotomanga Rajaonah, who often hit returns into the net or out of bounds.

In the second set, Sabalenka began to control Rakotomanga Rajaonah’s movement, opening the court and finishing points at the net, where she ventured forward 22 times, or forcing errors under pressure. The difference in weight of shot was clear on serve: Sabalenka averaged 104 miles per hour on her first delivery, compared with 93 mph for Rakotomanga Rajaonah. That edge carried over on return, where Sabalenka won 42% of points against first serves and 64% against second serves, steadily tightening her grip on the match.

Sabalenka then won three of the final four games to end the 1-hour and 16-minute match. 

"I was definitely working on serve and volley," Sabalenka said. "I'm super happy to be able to do it on the match. On the practice is one thing, but to be able to be kind of fearless and go there at the match is something else. I'm really proud I'm able to show this tennis."

How did Rakotomanga Rajaonah test the World No. 1?

The 20-year-old made a quick statement in the opening game. Winning the coin toss, she elected to receive, and set herself up with triple break point. Sabalenka did force a deuce, but her return into the net gave Rakotomanga Rajaonah the early break.

After Sabalenka broke to level at 1-1, Rakotomanga Rajaonah stayed in it by holding her serve across her next three service games. She even saved a break point to avoid going down 5-3, and hit a solid forehand winner to tie at 4-4. 

It was a performance to be very proud of even in defeat as Rakotomanga Rajaonah left the court in smiles and waved to the Rod Laver Arena crowd, who showered her with applause. 

"You're always kind of trying to figure out where you are," Sabalenka said. "Also that opponent that I never played before. I haven't really watched her games before and kind of lose her out of my radar. I didn't really know much about her. I was just struggling to find the rhythm of her shots. I'm happy that I could manage and I could get this win in straight sets."

What was the pivotal moment?

Rakotomanga Rajaonah was serving to remain in the first set down 5-4. She had two game point opportunities to extend the set, once at 40-30 and the other at Ad-40. Ultimately, Sabalenka saved the game points and created a set point of her own.

On the return, Sabalenka elected to use her power to force the young Frenchwoman from side-to-side, and the four-time Grand Slam champion took the break point and won the 45-minute first set. Sabalenka finished 4-of-10 on break point opportunities.

What's next?

Sabalenka will face Zhuoxuan Bai in the second round, and Zhuoxuan defeated Anastasia Pavluchenkova 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (10).