WATCH: “I’m so sorry,” Aryna Sabalenka profusely apologizes to her Chinese fans for winning the Australian Open against opponent Zheng Qinwen

Belarusian tennis ace Aryna Sabalenka apologized to her Chinese fans after she beat Qinwen Zheng in the 2024 Australian Open final. Sabalenka shared a video on social media wherein she apologized and then thanked her fans for their support.

Sabalenka beat China’s Qinwen Zheng in straight sets in the final. Zheng, who made it to her maiden Grand Slam final found it really tough against the Belarusian ace. The Chinese could win only five games in the final. This meant that the wait for a Grand Slam title for a Chinese player was prolonged.

Nevertheless, Zheng dished out an exemplary performance. Sabalenka was impressed with her Chinese counterpart’s performance. The Belarusian then also apologized to the Chinese tennis fans.

Hi guys, I am here with the trophy. I am really sorry. I know you guys support Zheng but thank you for all the support. I love playing in China and hopefully, I will come back this year to play in China.  See you soon. 

Aryna Sabalenka said.

Aryna Sabalenka lauds Qinwen Zheng

While Aryna Sabalenka apologized to her Chinese fans, the Belarusian ace heaped praise on her opponent. Sabalenka praised Qinwen Zheng for reaching this far at a Grand Slam tournament and hoped for the Chinese to soon win a Grand Slam title.

Sabalenka said she empathized with Zheng as she had been in a similar position before.

I know this feeling, it’s really tough to lose in the final, but you’re such an incredible player, you’re such a young girl and you’re going to be in many more finals and you’re going to get it.

Aryna Sabalenka said. (H/T: Australian Open)

Notably, Qinwen Zheng reached her maiden Grand Slam final as she beat Dayana Yastremska in straight sets in the semifinal. The 21-year-old Chinese also beat Anna Kalinskaya in the quarterfinals. In the fourth round, Zheng eased past Oceane Dodin.

Zheng’s best performance was against Briton Katie Boulter as she beat her 6-3, 6-3. The Chinese was as clean as they could be. This impressive performance from Zheng would not only boost her confidence but the Chinese will also break into the top 10 in the rankings.

In case you missed!

• “For the first time Alcaraz showed himself to be human,” Nick Kyrgios is all praises for Carlos Alcaraz after his jarring loss to Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open
• WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka looks breathtaking in the iconic champion photoshoot with her second Australian Open title

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