Fearless 11th seed Sabalenka is title threat at Australian Open, says Evert

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in action against Caroline Garcia of France – Reuters/File Photo

 MELBOURNE (Reuters): Chris Evert describes trying to pick a women’s singles champion at this month’s Australian Open as a “crapshoot” but the American says 20-year-old Aryna Sabalenka, one of many names being thrown into the mix, must be taken seriously.

The Belarussian surged up the WTA rankings last year, winning her first two titles and ending it just outside the top 10 and arrived in Melbourne fresh from winning in Shenzhen.

With her powerful groundstrokes and potent serve the quick Melbourne courts are likely to suit her style and American great Evert is looking forward to watching her progress as part of broadcaster ESPN’s coverage team.

The last eight Grand Slam titles have been won by different players and the women’s game is searching for a player to sustain dominance as Serena Williams has done in the past.

“I have no reason to believe that Sabalenka will not win more than one Grand Slam. Why? I see two things. I see hunger and I see boldness,” 18-times major singles champion Evert said in a conference call looking ahead to the Australian Open.

“Whether that’s fearlessness or what. It’s tied up, the boldness, fearlessness, confidence. That’s her swagger, I see that. Like this girl wants it. You can see it in her eyes. She’s pretty intense.”