MELBOURNE – Aryna Sabalenka matched her best Grand Slam showing by advancing to a possible fourth-round showdown against Serena Williams at the Australian Open.
Sabalenka beat American Ann Li 6-3, 6-1 Friday. Play began Friday as the Victoria state government was contemplating lockdown measures in Melbourne because of new COVID-19 cases.
It was not immediately clear how that might affect spectator attendance at Melbourne Park. Seeded No. 7, Sabalenka is the only woman among the top 16 seeds who has yet to reach a major quarterfinal.
Her best effort previously came when she earned a fourth-round berth at the 2018 U.S. Open. “I really want to play well in the Grand Slams, go as far as I can,” Sabalenka said. “I’m trying to come out in the