It wasn't often pretty, but two-time defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka has extended a few impressive streaks while becoming one of the first players to advance to the fourth round of the year's opening Grand Slam tournament.

Aryna Sabalenka wrestled her way past Clara Tauson to reach the last 16 of the Australian Open on Friday (January 17) i.

Highlights of the sixth day of the Australian Open on Friday (all times GMT): 0251 SABALENKA ADVANCES AT TAUSON'S EXPENSE Top seed and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the fourth round after beating Denmark's Clara Tauson 7-6(5) 6-4 in a see-saw encounter.

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus prepares to serve to Clara Tauson of Denmark during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus serves to Clara Tauson of Denmark during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne,

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka kicks off the second week of the Australian Open against teenager Mirra Andreeva, while Coco Gauff takes on Belinda Bencic for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff roll to Australian Open's 4th round. Naomi Osaka retires due to injury and Jessica Pegula was upset in the third round.

In a match scheduled for Tuesday, Clara Tauson (No. 42 in rankings) will meet Tatjana Maria (No. 90) in the Round of 64 at the Australian Open.In her most recent competition, Maria was defeated by

Jimmy Butler has finished a seven-game suspension and will suit up for the Miami Heat's game against the visiting Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

The world No. 1, who is chasing a third straight Australian Open title, defeated Denmark's Clara Tauson 7-6, 6-4 in two hours and six minutes at Rod Laver Arena, which extends the Belarusian's winning streak in Australia to 17 matches.

Sabalenka's fourth-round challenge will be the 14th seed Mirra Andreeva, who she leads 3-1 in head-to-head record. Andreeva secured her first win against Sabalenka at the French Open quarterfinals last year.

Coco Gauff and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka have moved closer to another semifinal showdown at the Australian Open. Gauff eliminated 2021 U.S.