"I really want to stay here as long as I can": Aryna Sabalenka expresses love for fans as Australian Open title defence continues

Aryna Sabalenka is through to the Quarter-Finals of the 2024 Australian Open after seeing off Amanda Anisimova in a superb win for the current champion who showed her love to the fans on Rod Laver Arena post match.

Conceding just 11 games in four matches so far, it is the fewest number of games lost by a player reaching the Quarter-Finals since 2013. Back then, Maria Sharapova lost five and Serena Williams lost eight. Also with the top section of the draw being blown wide open after the exits of Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek, Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are the two favourites left in the draw.

The former World No.1 also noticed fans in the crowd sporting shirts with her name on them and showed her appreciation during the post match interview. A player firmly on the march and firmly in the hunt to retain her title.

"Thank you so much for the atmosphere. I love playing in front of you. That's why I'm getting stronger because I enjoy the atmosphere so much and I really want to stay here as long as I can, till the last day and hopefully we can get this one more time. Thank you so much guys," she said in her on-court interview.
"Happy to get this win. She's a tough opponent and I'm super happy to see her back on the tour. I'm pretty sure she'll be back on top very soon. I wish her all the best," she added.