Aryna Sabalenka is not entirely shocked about the sudden demise of Zheng Qinwen who failed to make it to the third round after losing to the tricky German, Laura Siegemund.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka survived a first Australian Open test, but last year’s beaten finalist Zheng Qinwen suffered a shock second-round exit. The Chinese star reached her first grand slam showpiece here last year before going on to win Olympic gold and establish herself as one of the best players in the world.

Coco Gauff moved into the fourth round at Melbourne Park with a straightforward victory over Leylah Fernandez.

It wasn’t often pretty, but two-time defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka has extended a few impressive streaks while becoming one of the first players to advance to the fourth round of the year’s opening Grand Slam tournament.

While there have been plenty of surprises in the men’s bracket so far, most of the top women have progressed through the draw without an issue.

Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus owns the longest Australian Open women's singles winning streak in more than a decade after advancing out of the third round on Friday in Melbourne.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka survived a first Australian ... But she came unstuck against German Laura Siegemund, a 36-year-old better known for her prowess in doubles, going down 7-6 ...

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka survived a first Australian ... But she came unstuck against German Laura Siegemund, a 36-year-old better known for her prowess in doubles, going down 7-6 ...

Gauff, who hasn’t lost a set in Melbourne, could face the No. 1 player in the semifinals after their 3rd-round wins; Osaka leaves with injury and Pegula falls

Jimmy Butler has finished a seven-game suspension and will suit up for the Miami Heat's game against the visiting Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Highlights of the sixth day of the Australian Open on Friday (all times GMT): 0932 GAUFF DUMPS OUT FERNANDEZ IN STRAIGHT SETS American third seed Coco Gauff made light work of Leylah Fernandez, beating the Canadian 30th seed 6-4 6-2 on Margaret Court Arena.