Aryna Sabalenka, ranked second, defeated Madison Keys 6-4, 6-3 on Wednesday to progress to the China Open quarterfinals, matching her career high of 15 straight victories. The three-time Grand Slam champion’s winning run began in August when she won in Cincinnati, and it continued last month when she made it all the way to the US Open final. Earlier in the year, she also took home the Australian Open title.
Her prior record of 15 was accomplished during the 2020–21 season. “When you’re able to sacrifice a lot and you’re able to work hard and you’re able to get these wins, that’s the best feeling,” Aryna Sabalenka stated. You’re simply having the time of your life. You’re eager to take on any opponent you may encounter.”
During her current winning streak, the Belarusian has lost just one set to Ekaterina Alexandrova in the third round of the US Open, winning 30 of 31 sets.
This form was evident on Wednesday, as Sabalenka defeated the No. 24-ranked Keys in the opening set’s third game and dominated the service game for the whole of her effective 65-minute match, improving her record against the American to 4-1.
Despite Keys scoring 22 winners against 10 unforced errors, the 26-year-old Belarusian lost just five games on her opening serve in the encounter and managed to preserve both break points against her. After Karolina Muchova defeated Cristina Bucsa 6-2, 6-0, Sabalenka will face the Czech player in the quarterfinals.