Aryna Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion and the top seed in Beijing, continued her impressive winning streak by extending it to 14 matches. On Monday afternoon, she easily defeated Ashlyn Krueger of the U.S. with a 6-2, 6-2 victory in the Chinese capital, further solidifying her dominance in the tournament.
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Sabalenka’s Peak Form and Consistency
Sabalenka has not lost a match since August when she embarked on her journey to the Cincinnati title. She then captured her third major title—and second of 2024—at the US Open, defeating Jessica Pegula in the final in New York City. This remarkable streak of victories not only showcases Sabalenka’s excellence but also highlights her mental growth and ability to manage pressure.
After her match, Sabalenka shared: “I’ve improved a lot of things that give me more confidence that I can win no matter what happens.” She revealed that she had learned how to deal with pressure and no longer let the outcome of one match affect her emotionally. “I realized that it’s just a sport. If you don’t win this match, what’s going to happen? No one’s going to die. You’re not going to die. It’s okay. You’ll go to another tournament and try your best again.”
This mindset shift marks a significant change in Sabalenka’s approach to tennis. In the past, she often put immense pressure on herself, fearing that a loss could severely impact her career. Now, with maturity and stability, Sabalenka has integrated tennis into her life as just one part of it, not the entirety, and this has allowed her to play more freely and comfortably.
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Facing Madison Keys: The Next Challenge
Following her victory over Krueger, Sabalenka will face Madison Keys in the round of 16 in Beijing. Keys, an aggressive American player, poses a strong challenge, and the match promises to be an intense showdown. However, with her current form and mental fortitude, Sabalenka enters the match with confidence.
Sabalenka has had a successful 2024 season, with two major titles and consistent performance. She has cemented her position as one of the top players in the world, not only due to her exceptional technical skills but also her strong mentality on the court.
Osaka vs. Gauff: A Much-Anticipated Rematch
Alongside Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka also advanced to the round of 16 in Beijing after defeating Katie Volynets of the U.S. Osaka will face Coco Gauff in the upcoming round, marking a highly anticipated rematch between the two players. Osaka and Gauff have faced each other four times before, with each player winning twice. However, their most memorable encounter came during the third round of the 2019 US Open.
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In that match, Naomi Osaka defeated Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-0 on Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. What stood out was not only the result of the match but also Osaka’s gracious act afterward. Instead of celebrating alone, she invited Gauff to join her on the court and share the moment with the crowd. Gauff, just 15 years old at the time, was overcome with emotion but later expressed her gratitude to Osaka for the kind gesture.
The upcoming match in Beijing will be another chapter in their rivalry. Gauff, now more mature, is in top form after winning the 2023 US Open and has established herself as one of the world’s best players. The Osaka vs. Gauff match in the round of 16 in Beijing promises to be filled with drama and emotional moments.
Other Notable Matches
In addition to Sabalenka, Osaka, and Gauff, Karolina Muchova also advanced to the next round after defeating Jaqueline Cristian 6-1, 6-3. Muchova, who reached the final of the 2023 US Open, continues to show consistent form. With her versatile play and smart tactics, Muchova is a formidable player heading into the later rounds.
However, not all seeds had a smooth path. Jasmine Paolini of Italy, the third seed, suffered a surprising loss to Magda Linette, 6-4, 6-0. This upset was a major shock as Paolini was expected to advance deep into the tournament, but Linette, with her solid defensive play, completely overwhelmed the Italian player.
Conclusion
With her current form, Aryna Sabalenka is the top contender for the title in Beijing. Her impressive winning streak and mental stability have helped her overcome tough challenges and brought her closer to her next goal. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated match between Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff will be one of the highlights of the tournament, as both players are at the peak of their performance.
No matter the outcome, one thing is certain: the world’s top female players are showcasing their class and fighting spirit in China. The tense, dramatic matches and emotional moments continue to captivate fans around the world.
