Top Seeds Advance in Thrilling Australian Open Matches

MELBOURNE, Australia — Top seeds Elena Rybakina, Emma Navarro, and Daria Kasatkina advanced to the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday, showcasing their resilience and skill in a series of hard-fought matches.

No. 8 seed Emma Navarro faced a tough challenge against China‘s Wang Xiyu, ultimately prevailing 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in a grueling 2-hour, 11-minute match. Navarro, who twice battled back from a break down in the final set, credited her grit and determination for the win. “I just kept telling myself to make the most of what I had today,” Navarro said. “Maybe it wasn’t my best, but she put up a really good fight. I’m really happy to just get the win.”

Navarro’s next opponent will be former World No. 2 Ons Jabeur of Tunisia, who defeated Camila Osorio of Colombia 7-5, 6-3. Jabeur holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage over Navarro, having won their only previous encounter in 2022.

No. 9 seed Daria Kasatkina had a smoother path to the third round, defeating Wang Yafan of China 6-2, 6-0 in just 1 hour and 18 minutes. Kasatkina, who has struggled at the Australian Open in the past, is aiming for her best result yet in Melbourne. She will face No. 24 seed Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan, who cruised past former quarterfinalist Zhang Shuai 6-2, 6-1.

Meanwhile, No. 6 seed Elena Rybakina continued her dominant run with a 6-0, 6-3 victory over 17-year-old American wild card Iva Jovic. Rybakina, the 2023 Australian Open finalist, needed just 80 minutes to secure her 50th Grand Slam main-draw win. She will next face No. 32 seed Dayana Yastremska, who advanced with a 6-0, 6-1 win over Danka Kovinic.

Rybakina, who has won 11 of her 12 matches at the Australian Open after taking the opening set, remains a strong contender for the title. Her only loss from a set up in Melbourne came in last year’s final against Aryna Sabalenka.

As the tournament progresses, the competition is heating up, with top players showcasing their skills and determination in pursuit of the coveted Australian Open title.