While not as emphatic as seeing off Ella Seidel, it was still a superb effort from
Aryna Sabalenka as she swept aside Brenda Fruhvirtova, another 16-year-old rising star to book her place in the third round of the 2024
Australian Open.
The defending champion this time didn't have to wait until after Novak Djokovic played and said that her winning 6-3, 6-2 in the end meant that she helped him out with an earlier finish.
This while being asked by the interviewer on court what advice she has been given on how to win the tournament nine more times. She responded: “I need to ask him. I’m much nicer to him to make sure he’s gonna finish earlier. I’m gonna ask him how to win Australian Open 9 times. I’ll tell you later if he’s gonna give me some advice.”
But while she wants to do the same, she wants to without playing for four hours with a simple response to the potential of that. "No, no, no thanks."
Also despite the emphatic win, she heaped praise on Fruhvirtova and said it is mental for her to think that she could be her sister due to her own sibling being born in the same year and both the Czech ace and Mirra Andreeva producing brilliance. “I think for someone 16 years old she’s doing an incredible job. I wish I was on this level at 16. She’s unbelievable. I’m pretty sure if she keeps working she’ll be at the top pretty soon."
“That’s crazy. My sister is actually born in 2009. She could be my sister. I was trying not to think about that match. I know Mirra is an incredible player. She’s another teen who’s definitely gonna be at the top. I was trying to focus on myself & not let this young lady go to the next round.”
