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Top 5 Photos 2/11: Kenin's title defense ends

By Jordaan Sanford

Last year's Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin had a rough day at the office while hometown favorite Ashleigh Barty kept the dream of becoming the first Aussie women's champion in 43 years alive.

These are the Top 5 Photos from Day 4 in Melbourne:

1

Sofia Kenin

The reigning champion saw her title defense come to an end at the hands of giant killer Kaia Kanepi. The Estonian has won her last 22 of 24 matches, and she was relentless in her 6-3, 6-2 win over the American.

"I know I couldn't really handle the pressure," Kenin said. "I'm not obviously used to this, so I just got to figure out how to play at that level that I played at. Because like today and those matches it just hasn't been there."

Sofia Kenin of the US leaves after losing against Estonia's Kaia Kanepi during their women's singles match on day four of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 11, 2021. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
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2

Matteo Berrettini

The Italian is through to the third round after defeating Tomas Machac 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3. The world No. 10 will next face Russia's Karen Khachanov. The two have battled on three previous occasions, with Berrettini taking the cake each time. However, Saturday's match will be their first bout on an outdoor hard court.

Italy's Matteo Berrettini hits a return against Czech Republic's Tomas Machac during their men's singles match on day four of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 11, 2021. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
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3

Andrey Rublev

The Russian is now on a six-match winning streak after defeating a solid Thiago Monteiro 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(8). Rublev is through to the major's third round and will face Feliciano Lopez. for the first time. Lopez upset No. 31 seed Lorenzo Sonego in five sets.

Russia's Andrey Rublev serves against Brazil's Thiago Monteiro during their men's singles match on day four of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 11, 2021. (Photo by David Gray / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images)
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4

Ashleigh Barty

Although the Aussie was put to the test by Daria Gavrilova, Barty's bid for hometown glory continued. The 2019 Roland Garros champion posted a 6-1, 7-6(7) win to advance past her countrywoman. The world No. 1 is through to her fifth consecutive third-round appearance at her backyard Grand Slam.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 11: Ashleigh Barty of Australia plays a forehand in her Women's Singles second round match against Daria Gavrilova of Australia during day four of the 2021 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 11, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

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5

Belinda Bencic

On her fifth match point, the Swiss would seal the deal and grab a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 win against two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. The No. 11 seed will next battle Elise Mertens for a spot in the major's fourth round.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 11: Belinda Bencic of Switzerland reacts in her Women's Singles second round match against Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia during day four of the 2021 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 11, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

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