New Delhi, Jan. 21 -- Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, two of the top three seeds in the Australian Open, both reached the third round Wednesday.

Top-seeded Sabalenka defeated a tenacious Bai Zhouxuan of China 6-3, 6-1 at Rod Laver Arena, and No. 3 Gauff won over left-hander Olga Danilovic 6-2, 6-2 at Margaret Court Arena.

Sabalenka won the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024 and was the runner-up a year ago against Madison Keys. She is after her fifth Grand Slam title and has two trophies at the U.S. Open.

Gauff has never advanced past the semifinals in Australia and has Grand Slam titles from the French Open and U.S. Open.

Sabalenka raced to a 5-0 lead in the first set but then needed seven set points at Rod Laver Arena to take the set ...