Serena Williams digs deep to beat Aryna Sabalenka, progresses to Australian Open quarter finals

Serena Williams has fought through to the Australian Open quarter finals, beating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, on Rod Laver Arena.

The 23-time grand slam champion was forced to dig deep against the number seven seed, but prevailed after two hours, nine minutes.

“I am happy to get through that one. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Williams said.

“She was teeing off on every shot.”

Both players have reputations as the biggest hitters in the women’s game, and there was an impression that these women were trying to out do…