“Sabalenka Triumphs in Straight Sets to Retain Australian Open Title”
Aryna Sabalenka dominated the Australian Open final, defeating Qinwen Zheng in just 76 minutes to secure her second Major title. Despite strong support for China’s No.1, playing her first Grand Slam final on the 10th anniversary of Li Na’s victory, Sabalenka’s formidable play proved insurmountable. The Belarusian world No.2, in scintillating form, clinched a 6-3,…
Aryna Sabalenka dominated the Australian Open final, defeating Qinwen Zheng in just 76 minutes to secure her second Major title. Despite strong support for China’s No.1, playing her first Grand Slam final on the 10th anniversary of Li Na’s victory, Sabalenka’s formidable play proved insurmountable.
The Belarusian world No.2, in scintillating form, clinched a 6-3, 6-2 victory without dropping a set, with only US Open champion Coco Gauff posing a challenge. Sabalenka’s unique ritual of signing her name on her fitness coach Jason Stacy’s head before each match seemingly brought luck, culminating in a celebratory slap on his bald head after the one-sided final.
Even a brief interruption by two Free Palestine protesters in the second set couldn’t derail Sabalenka’s momentum. Making history, she became the first woman since her compatriot Victoria Azarenka in 2012 to successfully defend the Australian Open title. With consistent deep runs in her last six Majors, Sabalenka has emerged as the early-season force in women’s tennis.
Reflecting on Grand Slam history, Steffi Graf’s 1988 French Open final record of a mere 32 minutes remains untouched. However, the high ticket prices, starting at A$499 (£258) for Rod Laver Arena, might have left some fans questioning the value of this particular Grand Slam final.
Sabalenka signaled her dominance from the start, holding to love in her opening service game and breaking with minimal resistance. Zheng, the No.12 seed, struggled to find her footing, finally winning her first game after 14 minutes. Despite saving four set points, Zheng couldn’t thwart Sabalenka, who closed out the set with a service winner in 33 minutes.
Zheng’s serve, a key strength en route to the final, faltered in the second set. Three double faults in her opening service game allowed Sabalenka to break again. A brief pause due to a political protest didn’t alter the course, as Zheng managed only one more game. Despite saving four match points, including a courageous drop shot, she succumbed to Sabalenka’s fifth with a powerful forehand winner, sealing the Belarusian’s emphatic victory.
