Melbourne, Jan. 20 (BNA): Barbora Krejkova became the first player to advance to the fourth round at this year’s Australian Open with a 6-2 6-3 victory over Anelina Kalinina to open play on Friday at Rod Laver Arena.
The Czech 20th seed won her first five matches and dominated her Ukrainian opponent. Krejcikova has not dropped a set in three matches, according to the AP.
Later in the fifth day, third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas would add additional impetus to the lead, as top seed Iga Swiatek and two American women lead in the competition.
Tsitsipas is the highest seeded player in the men’s draw after the exits of top seed and defender Rafael Nadal and second seed Casper Ruud.
The 24-year-old Tsitsipas, the three-time Australian Open champion and the 2021 French Open runner-up to Novak Djokovic, will meet Talon Grikspur for the first time in the next match over Rod Laver.
Swiatek plays with Spain’s Christina Buxa, while Americans Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff prefer to advance Marta Kostyuk and Bernarda Pera, respectively.
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