Top seed Aryna Sabalenka has moved one step closer to a much-anticipated Australian Open clash with Emma Raducanu, after a dominant straight-sets victory in Melbourne.
The world No.1 brushed aside Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan on Wednesday, setting up a possible third-round meeting that UK tennis fans are already circling on the calendar.
With Raducanu due on court later the same day, British interest at Melbourne Park is firmly back in focus.
Who did Aryna Sabalenka beat, and how convincing was the win?
Sabalenka defeated Bai Zhuoxuan 6-3, 6-1 in just 72 minutes at Rod Laver Arena, underlining why she is the tournament favourite in 2026.
The Belarusian stormed into a 5-0 lead inside eight minutes, winning the first nine points of the match.
Bai, ranked outside the world’s top 700 and playing the biggest match of her career, eventually settled and briefly disrupted Sabalenka’s rhythm by breaking serve.
Despite a momentary wobble, the top seed closed out the first set in 39 minutes and cruised through the second with far greater control.
“Tricky opponent, Sabalenka said after the match. Super-happy to close the first set. It gives me confidence that my focus is there. Step by step, there is always a little gap to improve.”
Why does this matter for Emma Raducanu?
Sabalenka’s win puts her directly in line for a potential third-round showdown with Emma Raducanu, Britain’s 2021 US Open champion.
Raducanu was scheduled to face Russia-born Austrian Anastasia Potapova later on Wednesday at Melbourne Park.
Victory there would set up one of the most high-profile matches involving a British player at this year’s tournament.
Stylin’ on ’em 📸
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka cruises into the third round 🐯#AO26 pic.twitter.com/tPblpieuuL
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 21, 2026
For Raducanu, still rebuilding form and ranking after injury setbacks, the prospect of facing the world No.1 so early would be a major test, but also a chance to make a strong statement on the biggest stage.
How strong is Sabalenka’s Australian Open record?
Sabalenka’s dominance in Melbourne is well established.
- Australian Open titles: 2
- Final appearances in the last 4 years: 3
- Defending champion: Yes
- Previous final loss: Beaten by Madison Keys in last year’s final
She is aiming to win three Australian Open titles in four years, a level of consistency rarely seen in the modern women’s game.
What happened during the key moments of the match?
After racing ahead, Sabalenka showed flashes of frustration when she failed to convert multiple set points in the opening set.
Cameras caught her slamming a ball onto the court in anger, a reminder of her emotional intensity.
Once settled, her superior power and accuracy overwhelmed Bai in the second set, where she dropped just one game and dictated rallies from the baseline.
What should UK fans watch next?
- Emma Raducanu’s second-round match result
- Confirmation of the Raducanu vs Sabalenka third-round fixture
- Court scheduling at Melbourne Park
How does this compare to Raducanu’s recent Grand Slam runs?
Raducanu has not progressed beyond the third round of a Grand Slam since her historic US Open triumph in 2021.
A match against Sabalenka would be her toughest opponent at this stage of a major in recent years.
From a UK perspective, even a competitive showing would be seen as progress and a marker of where her game now stands.
