The World No. 1 in women’s tennis, Aryna Sabalenka, was in action in a Round-of-16 clash against Sorana Cristea at the Brisbane International on Thursday (Jan. 8). The Belarusian didn’t waste much time breezing past the Romanian in straight sets to advance to the quarterfinals of the event.
After beating Cirstea, Sabalenka revealed that her outfit was inspired by Maria Sharapova’s collection from previous years, which Nike had brought to life for the upcoming Grand Slam. This was the inspiration behind her outfit choice for the first Grand Slam of the year, as she discussed during the subsequent on-court interview.
“It was either Serena… or I think it was Maria’s collection that was a light peach dress. I told Nike I want to bring those colors back & they did it. Now it’s my favorite dress,” said Sabalenka.
Aryna Sabalenka Was Happy With Her Win Against Cirstea in Brisbane
Sabalenka, who is using the Brisbane International as a warm-up ahead of the Australian Open, has not dropped a set in her first two matches. While she dispatched Cristina Bucsa in under 50 minutes, it took her a little over an hour to dispatch Cristea today.
After the win, an elated Sabalenka gave an on-court interview, where she voiced pleasure in her current form and playing style as a positive interlude heading into the first tournament of the year at Melbourne Park.
“I don’t remember our last match on the hard courts. Probably, it’s for good [reason]. She’s an incredible player, always pushing me really hard. Especially in the second set, it was really great from her. I’m super happy I was able to close this match in straight sets. I was just trying to focus on my game, on going into this match and the things I have to do to get the win,” Sabalenka said in her on-court interview.
Sabalenka will be facing the winner of the Madison Keys vs Diana Shnaider Round-of-16 clash in the quarterfinals on Friday at the Brisbane International. The Belarusian has a 5-2 lead in the head-to-head against Keys, while she hasn’t faced Shnaider in the past.
Irrespective of her opponent, the tournament favorite will eye the silverware in Brisbane to kick off the proceedings for the Australian Open in Melbourne on a strong note.
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