Aryna Sabalenka Retains Australian Open Crown with Dominant Performance
Belarusian Star Secures Back-to-Back Grand Slam Titles
MELBOURNE, Australia – Aryna Sabalenka cemented her status as one of the world’s premier tennis players with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over Zheng Qinwen in the women’s final of the 2024 Australian Open. The Belarusian star produced a near-flawless performance, showcasing her power and precision to capture her second consecutive Grand Slam title and become the first woman to go back-to-back in Melbourne since Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013.
Sabalenka’s Dominance Unfolds
From the outset, Sabalenka asserted her dominance on Rod Laver Arena. She broke Zheng’s serve in the opening game and never looked back, dictating the pace and rhythm of the match with her aggressive baseline play. The defending champion’s serve was also on point, as she won a staggering 85% of her first-serve points and fired eight aces.
Zheng, playing in her first Grand Slam final, struggled to find her footing against Sabalenka’s relentless attack. The Chinese player committed 25 unforced errors and was unable to convert any of the four break points she earned throughout the match.
Zheng’s Slow Start Proves Costly
Zheng admitted that her slow start proved costly, as she found herself playing catch-up from the very beginning. “I think the difference is the beginning. I [couldn’t] hold the service game,” she said. “Then later on, when I got the chance to break her 40-love up and I’m not 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 Emotional Growth
Sabalenka attributed her success in Melbourne to her emotional growth and ability to stay focused and composed in high-pressure situations. “Compared to last year, it’s completely different me,” she said. “I’m more controlled and … don’t let the rest of the things come to my mind, and I was focusing on myself.”
The Belarusian player also credited her experience in big matches, including last year’s US Open final loss to Coco Gauff, for helping her develop the mental fortitude to thrive under pressure. “It’s been in my mind that I didn’t want to be that player who wins [one] and then disappears,” she said.
Sabalenka’s Pursuit of All-Court Success
Despite her remarkable success on hard courts, Sabalenka expressed her desire to become an all-court player capable of challenging for Grand Slam titles on all surfaces. “I think last year I proved I can play on each surface,” she said. “I definitely think that if I’m going to keep working like I’m working right now, and if we’re going to 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 Determination to Improve
Zheng, despite the disappointing result, remained upbeat and determined to learn from the experience. “I have to work more on my tennis, also work more on my mental side, work more on myself to be able to through this moment,” she said. “Because if you lose, there must be reason behind why you lose, and we have to try to figure out why and then come back stronger and better next time.”
Sabalenka’s Continued Reign at the Top
With her victory in Melbourne, Sabalenka solidified her position as the world’s number two player, hot on the heels of world number one Iga Swiatek. Zheng’s impressive run to the final saw her rise to a career-high ranking of number seven.
Sabalenka’s Remarkable Consistency
Sabalenka’s triumph in Melbourne marked the culmination of a dominant fortnight, during which she won a perfect 14 of 14 sets and dropped just 31 games throughout the tournament. Her clinical performance showcased her consistency and ability to maintain a high level of play over the course of an entire Grand Slam event.
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