Aryna Sabalenka clinched her second Australian Open title, sharing insights into her fears and celebrations. Adorned in a stunning white dress, the 25-year-old kissed the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup and celebrated with her “craziest team.” Sabalenka revealed their joyous post-victory revelry, complete with drinks, sweets, dancing, and pure fun.
Reflecting on her journey, Sabalenka disclosed moments of doubt when she feared being labeled a one-major wonder. Overcoming those fears, she delivered a decisive win over Zheng Qinwen, securing her place in history as the first to defend the Australian Open women’s crown in over a decade.
In the aftermath of her straight-sets triumph, Sabalenka shared how her team celebrated – a testament to their camaraderie. Expressing gratitude for her support system, she emphasized the importance of her father, Sergey, as her ultimate motivation. Sergey, an ice hockey player turned tennis enthusiast, passed away in 2019 but remains a driving force in Sabalenka’s pursuit of success.
Sabalenka’s victory not only exorcised the ghosts of a challenging past, including a loss in the previous year’s US Open final, but also solidified her position as the world No.2. She joined a prestigious list of champions who lifted the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup without dropping a set, marking her dominance in the tournament.
The Belarusian player’s emotional journey, battling serving struggles and personal loss, showcased her resilience. She expressed her determination not to be a fleeting champion but rather a consistent presence in the tennis world, setting her sights on more than just two Grand Slam victories.
As for her opponent, Zheng Qinwen, despite the loss, she acknowledged the experience of reaching her first Grand Slam final. Zheng, aspiring to follow in the footsteps of her idol Li Na, maintained optimism about her future in tennis, with a rise in rankings to world No.7 and a substantial career payday of $1.725 million.
Sabalenka’s triumph not only secured her place in tennis history but also highlighted the perseverance required to overcome doubts and challenges on the path to Grand Slam glory.