Aryna Sabalenka downs Marketa Vondrousova to reach Adelaide semifinals

The road to the Australian Open resumed for Aryna Sabalenka, who fought past Marketa Vondrousova to reach the semifinals of the Adelaide International 1 on Friday.

Sabalenka recorded a 6-3 7-5 victory over her Czech opponent, relying on her powerful serve and groundstrokes to overwhelm the World No.92. Despite both ladies doing their best to hold serve in the opening set, it was Sabalenka who saved both break points faced. Conversely, Vondrousova was unable to resist the Belarusian onslaught, eventually surrendering her serve at the most crucial moment. This was enough for the second seed to run away with the first set, placing one foot in the semifinals in the process.

Although Sabalenka was quick to secure another break, she was unable to serve out the match at 5-3. A resilient effort from Vondrousova saw her level the score at 5-5, but she quickly surrendered her subsequent serve to the Belarusian. This allowed Sabalenka to serve out the match, ending proceedings after an hour and 33 minutes.

Sabalenka will face the winner between fourth seed Veronika Kudermetova and Romanian Irina-Camela Begu, who are scheduled to clash in the day's second quarterfinal.