Aryna Sabalenka Dominates Zheng Qinwen to Claim Second Straight Australian Open Crown

Sabalenka Retains Title, Secures Second Grand Slam Triumph

MELBOURNE, Australia – In a dominant display of power and precision, world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka dismantled China’s Zheng Qinwen in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, to capture her second consecutive Australian Open title on Saturday. The Belarusian became the first woman to achieve back-to-back Australian Open victories since her compatriot Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013.

Sabalenka, the defending champion, showcased her dominance from the outset, breaking Zheng’s serve three times and sealing the victory in just 1 hour and 16 minutes. This triumph marks her second Grand Slam title, placing her among the elite players in the women’s game.

Sabalenka’s Relentless Performance

Sabalenka’s exceptional performance throughout the tournament was a testament to her unwavering consistency. She won all 14 sets she played, dropping a mere 31 games. Her clinical precision culminated in a commanding victory in the final, where she conceded just five games, the fewest in an Australian Open final since Azarenka’s three-game loss in 2012.

In the final, Sabalenka seized control early, breaking Zheng’s serve in the opening game and saving three break point opportunities to consolidate her lead at 3-0. She maintained her relentless pressure throughout the first set, holding serve comfortably and denying Zheng any further break point chances.

The second set commenced in a similar fashion, with Sabalenka breaking Zheng’s serve in the first game, courtesy of three double faults. This advantage proved decisive, as Sabalenka capitalized on Zheng’s shaky start to extend her lead and effectively put the match out of reach.

Zheng’s Fighting Spirit

Despite the scoreline, Zheng displayed flashes of brilliance and determination throughout the match. She briefly halted the Sabalenka express in the second set, holding serve and earning a break point opportunity. However, Sabalenka’s resilience and unwavering focus proved too much to overcome.

Zheng attributed her slow start to the match as the primary factor behind her defeat. She acknowledged the difficulty of recovering from an early break against a player as aggressive as Sabalenka.

“I think the difference is the beginning. I couldn’t hold the service game,” Zheng explained. “Then later on, when I got the chance to break her 40-love up, I wasn’t able to make it. That little moment makes the match so different. If you don’t take this chance, the match gets away really fast. She’s a really aggressive player. If you let a chance go, it will happen like today.”

Sabalenka’s Continued Dominance

With this victory, Sabalenka further solidifies her reputation as one of the world’s premier hard-court players. Of her 14 career titles, 12 have come on hard courts, including her two Grand Slam triumphs in Melbourne. Despite her dominance on this surface, Sabalenka remains committed to becoming an all-court player capable of challenging for major titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

“I think last year I proved I can play on each surface,” she asserted. “I definitely think that if I keep working like I’m working right now, and if we keep building what we are building right now, I’m definitely able to do the same on the clay and on the grass.”

Zheng’s Future Prospects

Zheng, despite the defeat, can take solace in her impressive run to the final, which propelled her to a career-high ranking of No. 7. The 20-year-old Chinese player has demonstrated immense potential and will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with in future Grand Slam tournaments.

“I have to work more on my tennis, also work more on my mental side, work more on myself to be able to go through this moment,” she said. “Because if you lose, there must be a reason behind why you lose, and we have to try to figure out why and then come back stronger and better next time.”

Conclusion: Sabalenka’s Reign Continues

Aryna Sabalenka’s commanding victory at the 2023 Australian Open further cements her status as one of the most dominant players in the women’s game. Her relentless style of play and unwavering focus have propelled her to the top of the rankings, and she shows no signs of slowing down. As she continues her quest for more Grand Slam titles, the tennis world eagerly awaits her next triumph.