Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka said her struggles on serve in her gruelling win over Carla Tauson in the third round of the Australian Open on Friday were down to gusty conditions that weakened one of her most powerful weapons.

Last year's runner-up Zheng Qinwen was knocked out of the Australian Open on Wednesday in the biggest shock so far but defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and two-time winner Naomi Osaka

Last year's runner-up Zheng Qinwen was knocked out of the Australian Open on Wednesday in the biggest shock so far while defending champion Aryna Sabalenka had to battle serve jitters to make the third round.

By Shrivathsa Sridhar MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Zheng Qinwen was the first big name to exit the women's draw at the Australian Open on Wednesday after the Olympic champion was stunned by Laura Siegemund while top seed Aryna Sabalenka made heavy weather of her second-round match before going through.