*Sabalenka (1) 5-2 Bai* I don’t think Sabalenka is happy to have lost a game. There is some added aggression to her and it’s resulting in her overhitting. She loses the first two points. Bai has perhaps also adjusted now to the pace of play. Sabalenka hits the net and Bai has her first break point. And she breaks Sabalenka!
Sabalenka (1) 5-1 Bai* They’ve only been playing for less than 20 minutes so far. The sixth game starts with the longest rally so far which ends with an unforced error from Bai. She rebounds nicely with an ace though, that’s her third point. Sabalenka is trying to keep coming forward but it’s not always working, as evident in her exasperation. Bai hits a second ace and then forces an error from Sabalenka at full stretch to win her first game!
*Sabalenka (1) 5-0 Bai Sabalenka goes for the serve volley and nails it, then tries again the second point and hits the net. Third go works to but it’s not seamless. She follows with a classy ace. Oh and a lovely backhand winner from Bai (first winner of the match) on return. Sabalenka responds by pushing in close and slamming down a volley just to remind everyone who is on top here.
Sabalenka (1) 4-0 Bai* Really hoping Bai can warm up and get into some sort of groove. At the moment it’s very straightforward for Sabalenka, who is smashing Bai’s serve back with disdain. The fourth game is over in three minutes. Bai is being pommelled.
