Sabalenka Extends Winning Streak to 14, Osaka Advances in Beijing
Aryna Sabalenka’s remarkable hard-court dominance continues unabated as she extended her winning streak to 14 matches with a comprehensive 6-2, 6-2 victory over Ashlyn Krueger at the China Open. The Belarusian powerhouse, who has already claimed the Australian Open, Cincinnati Open, and U.S. Open titles this year, displayed her unwavering form in Beijing.
Sabalenka’s relentless aggression and pinpoint accuracy proved too much for Krueger, as she converted five of her seven breakpoint opportunities. The second-ranked player will now face Madison Keys, aiming to match her career-best 15 consecutive victories achieved in 2020-21.
“I’m not playing my best tennis right now,” Sabalenka admitted. “But I’m controlling my emotions and holding myself together, which helps me stay in matches and keep fighting.”
Keys, meanwhile, secured a 6-3, 6-3 win over Beatrice Haddad Maia of Brazil. Haddad Maia, fresh from her Korea Open triumph, struggled to match Keys’ baseline power.
Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka continued her resurgence under new coach Patrick Mouratoglou with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Katie Volynets. Osaka will now face sixth-ranked Coco Gauff in the round of 16, their first meeting in over two years.
“It’s going to be a great test for me,” Osaka said. “She’s played well this year. I’m excited to play the match.”
Osaka, who returned from maternity leave earlier this season, has shown signs of improvement under Mouratoglou’s guidance. Her run in Beijing marks the first time she has recorded three consecutive wins since May.
Fifth-ranked Jasmine Paolini suffered a disappointing 6-4, 6-0 defeat to No. 45-ranked Magda Linette of Poland.
