World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka delivered an exceptional performance to secure her second consecutive Australian Open championship, triumphing over China’s Zheng Qinwen with a score of 6-3, 6-2 in the women’s final on Saturday. Sabalenka’s dominance was evident from the start as she effortlessly dismantled Zheng’s service games on three occasions. The match concluded in just 1 hour and 16 minutes, making Sabalenka the first woman since her compatriot Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013 to secure back-to-back victories in Melbourne.
This victory adds to Sabalenka’s impressive record in the Grand Slam tournaments, as she claimed her second major title. Throughout the tournament, Sabalenka showcased her prowess by winning all 14 sets she played and conceding a mere 31 games. Zheng, the 12th seed, made her first appearance in a Grand Slam final but struggled under the weight of the occasion, evident from her initial service game.
Sabalenka took an early 2-0 lead by breaking Zheng’s serve, and although it seemed as though she might relinquish the advantage, she rallied to save three break points and held on for a swift 3-0 advantage. For the remainder of the first set, Sabalenka continued to dominate her service games, allowing Zheng only one break point opportunity.
The second set commenced in a similar fashion, with Sabalenka breaking Zheng’s serve in the opening game due to three double faults from the Chinese player. This early break provided Sabalenka with the upper hand, which she promptly capitalized on to establish a commanding lead, leaving Zheng with little chance to mount a comeback.
Aryna Sabalenka’s triumph at the Australian Open marks a remarkable achievement in her career, solidifying her position as one of the top players in women’s tennis. Her exceptional performance throughout the tournament highlights her skill and determination, making her a force to be reckoned with in future competitions.
