Aryna Sabalenka successfully defends her title in Melbourne with victory against Qinwen Zheng.

The Australian Open witnessed a phenomenal display of power and skill as Aryna Sabalenka clinched her second consecutive title with a dominant performance against Qinwen Zheng. Sabalenka, ranked world No 2, showcased her prowess throughout the tournament, not dropping a single set in seven matches. Her final showdown with Zheng was a testament to her unrelenting strength and precision on the court, cementing her status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis.

Zheng, a first-time Grand Slam finalist, faced a formidable challenge in Sabalenka. Despite her remarkable journey to the final, where she became the first Chinese player to reach a Grand Slam decider since Li Na’s victory a decade ago, she struggled to withstand Sabalenka’s aggressive playstyle. The match, lasting 76 minutes, was a showcase of Sabalenka’s ruthless power and unwavering focus.

With her victory, Sabalenka joins an elite club of players, including Ashleigh Barty, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Lindsay Davenport, who have achieved the feat of winning the Australian Open without dropping a set since 2000. Her remarkable performance captivated the Melbourne crowd and demonstrated her ability to thrive under pressure on the grand stage.

Throughout the final, Sabalenka demonstrated her exceptional groundstrokes, seizing control early on and maintaining her momentum to secure an early lead. The overwhelming support from her Melbourne fan base undoubtedly fueled her determination, ultimately leading to her triumph in the first set. While Zheng displayed moments of resilience, including saving four set points and showcasing her own powerful forehand, she was unable to halt Sabalenka’s relentless march towards victory.

As the match progressed into the second set, Sabalenka continued to exert her dominance, capitalizing on Zheng’s wavering serve to secure crucial breaks. Despite a brief delay caused by disruptive spectators, Sabalenka’s focus remained unyielding as she maintained her aggressive play and capitalized on her opportunities. Zheng, despite putting up a valiant effort, could not impede Sabalenka’s path to victory. The match culminated in a resounding win for Sabalenka, underscoring her exceptional talent and determination to succeed at the highest level of the sport.