Aryna Sabalenka has largely had things all her own way in Melbourne for the last two years, which means the Australian Open crowd can be forgiven for wanting a little drama in her second round, right?
Sabalenka lightly chided fans for cheering on opponent Jessica Bouzas Maneiro but the world No. 1 got the final round of applause after picking up a 16th straight match win Down Under.
“I forgive you. Make sure next time you come out and cheer for me!” she told Laura Robson on Rod Laver Arena after the 6-3, 7-5 victory.
The two-time defending champion trailed Bouzas Maneiro 2-5 in the second set; undaunted by the challenge of an inspired opposition, she reeled off the final five games to reach the third round of a fifth straight Australian Open.
