Aryna Sabalenka Dominates Zheng Qinwen to Claim Consecutive Australian Open Titles

In a display of unwavering dominance, Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s second-ranked women’s tennis player, secured her second consecutive Australian Open crown, defeating China’s Zheng Qinwen in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 in the women’s final on Saturday.

Sabalenka’s Commanding Performance

Sabalenka, the defending champion, exhibited unwavering dominance throughout the match, breaking Zheng’s serve three times and sealing the victory in just 1 hour and 16 minutes. This triumph marks Sabalenka’s second Grand Slam title and makes her the first woman since her Belarusian compatriot Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013 to win back-to-back Australian Open titles.

Sabalenka’s dominance in Melbourne was evident throughout the tournament, as she won all 14 sets she played and dropped a mere 31 games en route to the championship. Zheng, the 12th seed in the tournament, was competing in her maiden Grand Slam final and appeared overwhelmed by the occasion, particularly in the early stages of the match.

Zheng’s Tough Start

Sabalenka seized control of the match from the outset, breaking Zheng’s serve in the opening game and consolidating her lead to 3-0. Zheng struggled to find her rhythm on serve, committing three double faults in the second game, which allowed Sabalenka to extend her advantage. Despite Zheng’s attempts to break back, Sabalenka remained resolute, saving three break points to maintain her commanding lead.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Sabalenka breaking Zheng’s serve in the first game and never relinquishing her advantage. Zheng briefly showed signs of a resurgence, holding serve and earning break point opportunities in the fourth game. However, Sabalenka’s unwavering focus and relentless aggression proved too much for Zheng to overcome.

Brief Protest Disrupts Match

A brief protest temporarily halted the match, but it failed to disrupt Sabalenka’s momentum. She broke Zheng’s serve once more in the fifth game and served out the match with ease, conceding only five games throughout the entire final. This feat marks the fewest games conceded in an Australian Open final since Azarenka’s three-game surrender in 2012.

Sabalenka’s Post-Match Comments

In her post-match press conference, Sabalenka expressed her delight at her performance and relief at proving that her previous Grand Slam title was not a fluke. She acknowledged Zheng’s talent and toughness and emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency and winning multiple Grand Slam titles.

Sabalenka attributed her success to her improved emotional control and focus, which she believes has been honed through her experience in big matches, including her loss to Coco Gauff in last year’s US Open final. She highlighted her desire to become an all-court player and challenge for major titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

Zheng Acknowledges Her Shortcomings

Zheng, on the other hand, acknowledged her slow start and inability to capitalize on break point opportunities, which ultimately cost her the match. She expressed the need to work on her mental toughness and improve her ability to perform under pressure.

With this victory, Sabalenka retains her position as the world’s number two player, trailing only Iga Swiatek, while Zheng rises to a career-high ranking of number seven.

Additional Notable Points:

• Sabalenka’s victory marks the first time since 2012 and 2013 that a woman has won consecutive Australian Open titles.
• Sabalenka has now won 14 of her 14 Grand Slam sets played in Melbourne, dropping just 31 games in the process.
• Sabalenka has won 12 of her 14 career titles on hard courts, including both of her Grand Slam victories.
• Zheng’s run to the final is the best Grand Slam result by a Chinese woman in the Open Era.
• Zheng’s rise to number seven in the world rankings is the highest ranking ever achieved by a Chinese woman.

As the Australian Open concludes, tennis fans eagerly await the next chapter in Aryna Sabalenka’s remarkable journey as she aims to cement her legacy as one of the greatest women’s tennis players of all time.