Aryna Sabalenka may be formidable, but even she gets tested at times. The World No.1, who has now won 13 of her last 14 matches at Melbourne Park, came into the third round of the Australian Open to face Anastasia Potapova. Despite leading 2-0 in their head-to-head, she found herself in a real battle as the Austrian brought the heat. Though she emerged victorious, it didn’t come easy.

After letting three set points slip at 6-5 in the opener, Sabalenka regrouped to take the tiebreak. Potapova fought back from 0-4 down in the second and held three set points in the tiebreak, but Sabalenka again held firm under pressure to close out the win, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (7). The fight stayed with her till her post-match interview when emotions spilled over.

“She played incredible tennis,” Aryna Sabalenka admitted, “I was always on the back foot. To be honest there’s days when you have to be there and you have to fight and try your best to put the ball back on that side. I don’t know what was the key.”

“I think even though emotionally I was all over the place I was still able to fight for every point. Against Anastasia it’s something really important that you always focus, you’re always there, you’re always fighting. I’m super happy that I was able to get this win. It was such a fight. I really enjoyed it.”

The match was a real nail-biter for the Belarusian. Aryna Sabalenka, who lost two Grand Slam finals last year, first to Madison Keys in Melbourne and then after committing 70 unforced errors in the French Open showdown against Coco Gauff, knows exactly how fine the margins can be at the top.

Still, her record speaks for itself. She has reached at least the semi-finals in 13 of the past 16 Grand Slam tournaments, capturing four majors over the past three seasons and cementing her place as the game’s dominant force. Those tough losses have also taught her something invaluable, learning how to keep her emotions in check when it matters most.

“Aryna five years ago would be focusing too much on the way she feels and completely lose these matches,” Aryna Sabalenka added. “I learned that it doesn’t really matter how you feel, it’s all about your mentality, your mental strength to be there, try your best, return the ball ugly with terrible technique and your body being completely disconnected.

“When you see that things are not working, the only tactic you have is to fight.”

Still, being a two-time champion is no small feat. She’s done it before, so there’s no saying she can’t do it again. She’s already marked another milestone this time at Melbourne Park, although it didn’t quite sit well with her.

Aryna Sabalenka admits to surreal feelings over her new record

After brushing aside Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-4, 6-1 in her opener, she followed it up with another emphatic win, this time dismissing Zhuoxuan Bai 6-3, 6-1. Her powerful rhythm and confidence make it clear, Sabalenka isn’t just defending her crown, she’s owning the moment.

With that latest victory, the world No. 2 reached a remarkable milestone: She’s captured 45 of her last 50 sets in Melbourne. That statistic puts her among the likes of Monica Seles and Serena Williams, a detail that made even Sabalenka pause for a second.

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“That sounds crazy and surreal, to be honest,” Aryna Sabalenka admitted. “Just never thought that people will kind of like compare me to these names, even though I’m really far away from their achievements. Of course it sounds incredible and sounds like really… it’s motivating me to keep doing my thing. It just means for me that I’m on the right way.”

Now, with another trip to the fourth round secured, momentum is riding high for the reigning champion. She’s already lifted the Australian Open trophy in 2023 and 2024, and last year finished runner-up to Madison Keys. She insists revenge isn’t on her mind, but there’s no doubt the fire for a third title is burning bright.

Up next, Sabalenka faces the 17th seed, Victoria Mboko, in what promises to be another electrifying clash. Will her confidence and emotions carry her through to yet another statement win?