In her first match since reaching the U.S. Open semifinals and subsequently testing positive for COVID-19, Aryna Sabalenka beat Ajla Tomljanovic 7-6 (2), 4-6, 6-1 on Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals of the Kremlin Cup.
The No. 2-ranked Sabalenka, who had a bye in the first round here, served 10 aces but also made 30 unforced errors.
“She’s a tough opponent for the first match after a long time out,” Sabalenka said. “I calmed down a bit and started playing well.”
Sabalenka had not played since her three-set loss to Leylah Fernandez in the U.S. Open. The 23-year-old Belarusian had been scheduled to play in Indian Wells, California, but said she had tested positive for the coronavirus the day before play started.
She’ll next play Ekaterina Alexandrova, who beat Anhelina Kalinina 6-4, 6-1.
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