In a breathtaking display of sheer power and resilience, Aryna Sabalenka, the Belarusian star, clinched the 2023 Australian Open title at Rod Laver Arena. She took 2 hours and 28 minutes to overpower her Kazakh opponent Elena Rybakina in the final which was filled with action and drama.
This is Sabalenka’s maiden Grand Slam title and it is coming at her first-ever Major final appearance. Thus making the triumph even more special. Sabalenka worked hard on her mistakes, especially the double faults, and was rewarded well in the end. Before the final she was burdened with the expectations of the fans and the 24-year-old did not disappoint.
Sabalenka outclassed her opponent in all aspects. She fired more aces and winners than Rybakina who fell short of exhibiting a solid defense. After losing the first set 6-4, Sabalenka made a stunning comeback, and the reigning Wimbledon champion Rybakina just could not catch up.
Related: Aryna Sabalenka is the Australian Open champion
Aryna Sabalenka on the top of the world after Australian Open triumph
After winning the contest Sabalenka received the trophy from the great Billie Jean King with tears in her eyes. “It was super emotional. I was just super happy that I was able to handle all the emotions in the last game. It was a super tough match,” she said after the match.
It was a priceless moment when she realized her name was engraved on the trophy. “I’m super happy right now to break this wall and to… Oh my God, it already has my name! This is unbelievable! Oh my God. With all these stars,” an ecstatic Sabalenka said.
“I need a few more days to realize what just happened, I cannot… I don’t know, I’m speechless, to be honest. It was super emotional. I was just super happy that I was able to handle all the emotions in the last game. It was a super tough match,” she continued.
The title win has also propelled her to 2nd place in the latest WTA rankings. As she said she can have all the time to relish her hard-fought victory. When she finishes her much-deserved celebration more Grand Slams would be waiting for her. The 2023 Australian Open is just the first of many.
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