A battling Aryna Sabalenka survived an early wobble to beat Sloane Stephens 6-3 ... own way against the 2017 US Open champion Stephens on Rod Laver Arena. She raced into a 4-0 lead before a ...

The matches continued as scheduled on the three covered courts, and Sabalenka opened the night session on Rod Laver Arena with a 6-3 6-2 victory over former US Open champion Sloane Stephens.

It was by no means peak Sabalenka, with the world number one broken twice by the American in a wayward first set at Rod Laver Arena ... winning record to 5-0 over Stephens.

The world number one and back-to-back champion in Melbourne defeated Stephens 6-3 6-2 in the first round on Rod Laver Arena. The 26-year-old Belarusian is aiming to become just the seventh player ...

Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion at Melbourne Park, overcame a tricky test against America's Sloane Stephens ... into their seats inside Rod Laver Arena. Photo shows Mirra Andreeva ...

The 26-year-old world number one started her Australian Open title defense with a commanding straight-set win over American Sloane Stephens, 6-3, 6-2, on the iconic Rod Laver Arena. For Sabalenka ...

Aryna Sabalenka powered past Sloane Stephens to begin her quest for a third consecutive ... romping home 6-3, 6-2 in 71 minutes on Rod Laver Arena. Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman since ...

Aryna Sabalenka will face Sloane Stephens in the opening round of ... Sabalenka and Stephens are set to face off at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, January 12, marking their fifth encounter.

After beating Sloane Stephens in straight sets ... said after the pre-tournament social media post was played on Rod Laver Arena. "But only if the whole crowd will join in," beckoned Sabalenka.

The Belarusian has been unbeatable in Melbourne for years, but she's running into in absolute buzzsaw.