Aryna Sabalenka gives her verdict on the courts at the Australian Open as she admits the conditions have changed

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Aryna Sabalenka made an admission about the conditions at the Australian Open.

The World number one is into the third round and extended her win streak at Melbourne Park to 17 matches.

She was given a tough test against the in-form Clara Tuason, who won the ASB Classic, shortly before commencing her Grand Slam campaign Down Under.

The 26-year-old will face the budding young superstar Mirra Andreeva in round four, just two weeks after they faced one another at the Brisbane International.

What did Aryna Sabalenka say about the courts and conditions at the Australian Open?

Aryna Sabalenka faced Tauson for the first time in her career at the Australian Open.

The Belarusian came from 3-5 down in the first set to claim it on a tiebreak, before going on to win 7-6(5), 6-4 in two hours and six minutes.

Sabalenka struck 39 winners to 25 unforced errors, but at times she struggled on serve and was broken multiple times and won just 44% of her first serve.

In addition to being put under pressure by Tauson, Sabalenka admitted she found the conditions challenging, particularly when she was serving.

“Well, I think winning the first set, it was a very difficult set, gave me a little bit more mental strength that I can win this match even without serving my best,” Sabalenka said.

“But also, you know, conditions are pretty heavy for servers. It’s not giving you that match advantage as usual.

“Yeah, balls are heavy. Courts are a little bit slower. You just have to sometimes just put that serve in and just play the rally.”

Aryna Sabalenka will face another tough test in the fourth round

After overcoming Tauson, Sabalenka will face Mirra Andreeva in the last 16.

The teenager is continuing to climb up the rankings and is within striking distance of breaking into the WTA’s top 10.

If she can defeat Sabalenka and end her winning run at the Australian Open, this would certainly boost the Russian’s chances of breaking into that elite group sooner rather than later.

The pair have played each four times, with their most recent meeting coming at the Brisbane International a fortnight ago.

This was Sabalenka’s third victory over Andreeva and she will be keen to record a fourth win when they square off at Melbourne Park on Sunday.