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'What yips': Aryna Sabalenka mocks herself after horror moment

Aryna Sabalenka (pictured left) falling over while serving and (pictured right) laughing during her Australian Open interview.
Aryna Sabalenka (pictured left) had her serving issues again in the third round of the Australian Open, but was able to advance and make light of the situation. (Getty Images)

World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka continued with her horror serving troubles and survived a scare in the third round before advancing to the second week of the Australian Open.

The power-hitting Belarusian hit 24 winners and was too much for Markéta Vondroušová in the third round winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.

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However, from the outset, Sabalenka's serving demons resurfaced as she struggled in the first set with her second serve.

One serve saw her nearly topple over as she struggled for consistency.

However, Sabalenka did improve her serve every set and her groundstrokes were too much for Vondroušová to handle.

Following the match, the World No.2 would have been disheartened with her serving woes that have plagued her since the start of the tournament.

But Sabalenka showcased her usual humour when asked what she thought about the display.

“I’m really happy right now and mostly happy that I made only 10 double faults,” Sabalenka said, which drew an applause and laugh from the crowd.

“She played unbelievable tennis today and I pushed myself really hard. I’ll just keep working on my serve and keep hoping it gets better match-by-match.”

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Fans were left worried for Sabalenka after her serving issues became apparent from the outset.

Sabalenka lost the first set in her opening two matches and once again came from behind to storm home and advance into the next round of the Australian Open.

She finished with 10 double faults, but with a 76 per cent win percentage on her first serve.

Sabalenka will face 36-year-old Kaia Kanepi who knocked out local wildcard Maddison Inglis 2-6, 6-2, 6-0 to reach the Melbourne Park second week for the first time.

"Another big hitter, it's going to be an interesting match and I'm really looking forward to this one," Sabalenka said.

Former World No.1 and Melbourne Park finalist Simona Halep made light work of Danka Kovinic in her third-round clash at John Cain Arena, thrashing the Montenegrin 6-2, 6-1 to reach the second week for a fifth consecutive year.

Halep will next face Alize Cornet, after the French veteran fought back from a set and 4-1 down against 29th seed Tamara Zidansek to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

with AAP

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