Melbourne, Jan. 25 -- World number one Aryna Sabalenka made a statement on Sunday after powering into the Australian Open quarterfinals with a straight-sets win over 17th seed Victoria Mboko.
The four-time Grand Slam champion hit 31 winners in her comfortable 6-1, 7-6 (1) victory in one hour and 26 minutes at Rod Laver Arena.
"She pushed me so much, but was super happy to get through," Sabalenka said.
Fourth round action started on day eight in cooler conditions than the oppressive weather the day before.
Touted as a future superstar, the 19-year-old Mboko had lived up to the billing by reaching the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time.
But the Canadian was totally overwhelmed by the power of Sabalenka, whose bid for a third titl...