Australian Open 2025: Aryna Sabalenka survives Clara Tauson scare to book fourth round berth

Tennis star and world number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Clara Tauson in the third-round of the 2025 Australian Open. She now heads to the fourth round of the showpiece event at Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park on January 17. The star player struggled in the first set.

Sabalenka d. Tauson 7-6(5) 6-4 at the Australian Open

Aryna has now won 21 consecutive sets at this event.

17 consecutive wins.

Even when she’s struggling, like she was today at times, no one can take a set off of her.

✅8-0 in 2025

Ridiculously tough. 🐅 pic.twitter.com/fncKXwjU6R

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 17, 2025

She was smashing some powerful groundstrokes in the game and stunning passing shots to win the opening set. However, the Belarusian continued her incredible form heading to the second game and marked the straight-set win to head to the next round.

Also WATCH: Holger Rune hits a ridiculous passing shot and some top groundstrokes against Matteo Berrettini

Aryna Sabalenka on the verge of making history yet again in tennis

Notably, Sabalenka has come into this tournament after winning the titles in 2023 and 2024 at Melbourne Park. If she wins her third consecutive title, she will be the first woman to do so in the Australian Open since 1997. The 26-year-old tennis star started her journey by winning the Brisbane International 2025 title earlier this month and now sets her sights on winning the first Grand Slam of the year. Her performance showcases that she is one of the players to win the title here.

Aryna Sabalenka has won 30 of her last 31 matches in hard court Slams since 2023.

A stat that speaks for itself.

🐅 pic.twitter.com/2sAR2cHj8H

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 17, 2025

Meanwhile, Sabalenka expressed happiness after she successfully won the third round of the game. The Belarusian was asked about facing Tauson in this thriller. The 26-year-old tennis star also spoke highly about how crucial it is to stay mentally healthy in the Grand Slams.

Sabalenka after beating Tauson at Australian Open

“If you had to rate your mental strength today, how would you rate it?”

Aryna: “Honestly I was playing this match and thinking ‘Wow girl… you’re really tough.” 😂

pic.twitter.com/Ku9vHqWQIm

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 17, 2025

Jounalist asked - “If you had to rate your mental strength today, how would you rate it?” 

Aryna: “Honestly I was playing this match and thinking ‘Wow girl… you’re really tough."

Also Read: Defending champion Jannik Sinner continues hard-court love affair, qualifies for third round