Serena Williams registers 90th Australian Open victory
What's the story
Veteran tennis legend Serena Williams reached the fourth round of the Australian Open 2021 event. Serena, who is vying for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, came through 7-6, 6-2 against Anastasia Potapova. With this result, Serena scripted a new milestone by registering her 90th win at the Australian Open. She is the first player to register 90 wins at AO. Here's more.
Record
Serena has a 90-12 record at the Australian Open
Serena holds the record for the second-highest Australian Open title wins (7). She is only behind Margaret Court (11). However, Serena has won the tournament on the most occasions in the Open Era (7). She has a 90-12 record in terms of win/loss results. That's her best return amongst all the Slams she has participated in.
Next meeting
AO: Serena sets up date with Sabalenka
Serena has set up an enticing fourth-round meeting against an in-form Aryna Sabalenka. Earlier in the day on Rod Laver Arena, Sabalenka eased to a 6-3, 6-1 win over Ann Li, improving her record to 18-1 since October. Sabalenka said it will be a tough challenge for her against Serena and she will do everything to prepare herself.
Battle
Naomi Osaka advances, to meet Spaniard Muguruza next
Third seed Naomi Osaka prevailed against Ons Jabeur of Tunisia, winning 6-3, 6-2. With this win, Osaka has won 10 successive Grand Slam matches. The Japanese will face two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza next. Spaniard Muguruza needed just 58 minutes to beat Kazakhstan's Zarina Diyas 6-1, 6-1. Notably, she has lost just 10 games in her opening three matches.
Quote
I'm going to do everything: Sabalenka on stopping Serena
"She's a great player, and it's always a big challenge to play against these kind of players. But I'm going to do everything I can to get this win. We're all here for the wins and I'm going to do everything," said Sabalenka.
Zverev
Men's singles: Zverev breezes past Adrian Mannarino
In the men's singles, Alexander Zverev crushed Adrian Mannarino with little fuss to coast into the Australian Open fourth round. The German, a semi-finalist last year, showcased his authority to a routine 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 win in just 1hr 43mins on Rod Laver Arena. The youngster smashed 19 aces and 35 winners.
Twitter Post
A new milestone for Serena
90 👑 | 7 🏆
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 12, 2021
Congratulations @serenawilliams on your 90th #AusOpen victory 👏 #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/2IgJTowiHy