In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Aryna Sabalenka secured her status as the Australian Open favorite by defeating Zheng Qinwen and claiming her second consecutive Grand Slam singles trophy. The Belarusian powerhouse, who hadn’t dropped a set throughout the tournament, delivered a masterclass performance to overpower her opponent in a 6-3, 6-2 victory.
Sabalenka’s composed and aggressive approach left her opponent, 21-year-old Zheng, often looking overawed in her first major final. The reigning champion’s relentless groundstrokes and strategic play added another layer of belief to her game, echoing the confidence that led her to the world number one spot in the previous season.
Reflecting on her journey, Sabalenka acknowledged the importance of trusting the process, even in the face of tough losses. Returning to Melbourne with the experience of a previous victory, she showcased her growth as a player, dropping only 16 games en route to the final.
While Zheng, backed by passionate Chinese support, couldn’t secure the victory on the historic anniversary of Li Na’s 2014 Australian Open triumph, she expressed gratitude for the valuable experience gained in her first final.
The match, absent of top seed Iga Swiatek after her third-round exit, highlighted Sabalenka’s dominance on the court and her ability to maintain composure in crucial moments. As the first woman to win back-to-back titles since Victoria Azarenka in 2013, Sabalenka’s performance in Melbourne solidifies her position as a force to be reckoned with in women’s tennis.
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