Aryna Sabalenka secures her Australian Open title defense, triumphing over Qinwen Zheng 6-3, 6-2 in the women’s final. The initial dominance, winning eight of the first nine points, set the tone for Sabalenka’s overpowering performance, ultimately proving insurmountable for Zheng.
Sabalenka maintained dominance throughout the match, consistently keeping Zheng on the defensive. Her prowess in points beyond the first serve showcased a blend of power and precision, a theme evident throughout the entire tournament.
In her triumphant address, Sabalenka expressed joy over an “amazing two weeks” in Australia, engaging in lighthearted banter with her coach and training staff. “Thank you so much for being by my side no matter what,” said Sabalenka, 25. “Without you, I wouldn’t be able to achieve so much in this sport. … Without me, you wouldn’t be so good as well, so let’s accept that fact.”
After clinching back-to-back victories at the Australian Open, Sabalenka eagerly sets her sights on a three-peat in 2025. Expressing gratitude, she exclaimed, “I love you so much. I can’t wait to come back and hopefully…” Sabalenka trailed off, hugging the trophy and crossing her fingers.
Zheng showcased brilliance with serves in the first set, but their inconsistency proved pivotal on Saturday. When not hitting aces, Sabalenka capitalized, often winning the point. Zheng’s struggles deepened with five double faults, costing her crucial points.
Reflecting on her inaugural Grand Slam final, Zheng expressed “very complicated” feelings about her performance. Despite the outcome, the 21-year-old remains hopeful for future opportunities, describing the experience as an “amazing memory” and anticipating even better moments ahead.
Sabalenka’s commanding final performance mirrors her tournament dominance for two consecutive years. With a remarkable 14 straight wins in the Australian Open, she didn’t drop a single set this year. Looking ahead, Sabalenka now aims for another Grand Slam victory, shifting her focus to the upcoming French Open in a few months.
