Sabalenka Overcomes Bai Zhuoxuan in Australian Open 2026 Second Round Battle

• World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated China's Bai Zhuoxuan 6-3, 6-1 to reach the third round of the Australian Open 2026.
• Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, initially took a 5-0 lead in the first set on Rod Laver Arena.
• Bai Zhuoxuan, ranked 702, mounted a comeback, winning three consecutive games and frustrating Sabalenka before the Belarusian closed out the first set.
• Sabalenka regained composure in the second set, winning four straight games to secure her progress.
• Sabalenka described Bai as a "tricky opponent" and expressed happiness at her ability to maintain focus and close out the match.

Why It Matters: Aryna Sabalenka battled past a resilient Bai Zhuoxuan to advance to the Australian Open 2026 third round.