Aryna Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka Cements Status as Tennis Phenom with Historic Win

MELBOURNE, Australia: World number 2, Aryna Sabalenka, the tennis sensation from Belarus, is creating ripples in the professional tennis circuit. Born on May 5, 1998, Aryna Sabalenka has gained recognition for her forceful playing style and formidable serve. Currently holding the second position in the world rankings, she has secured major singles titles at the Australian Open in both 2023 and 2024.

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Aryna Sabalenka kisses the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after winning her Women's Singles Final match against Qinwen Zheng of China during the 2024 Australian Open
Aryna Sabalenka kisses the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after winning her Women’s Singles Final match against Qinwen Zheng of China during the 2024 Australian Open. ANDY CHEUNG / GETTY IMAGES

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Aryna Sabalenka’s Ascendance

Initiating her professional career in 2015, Sabalenka has clinched 14 singles titles and six doubles titles. In 2023, she attained the world No. 1 ranking and was honored as the ITF World Champion. Consistent performances in major tournaments defined her journey, reaching the semifinals in all four Grand Slam events in 2023 and finishing as the US Open runner-up.

Sabalenka’s Triumph at the Australian Open

Sabalenka’s prowess at the Australian Open has been truly spectacular. In 2024, she successfully defended her title, becoming the first woman in 11 years to achieve consecutive victories at the Australian Open. Her dominance was evident as she didn’t drop a single set throughout the entire tournament.

The Sabalenka-Zheng Faceoff

The 2024 Australian Open final witnessed Sabalenka going head-to-head with the emerging Chinese talent, Zheng Qinwen. Born on October 8, 2002, Zheng showcased significant improvement, making her inaugural appearance in a major final.

The match showcased Sabalenka’s power against Zheng’s resilience. Sabalenka’s strong start, serving to love in the opening game and breaking Zheng’s serve to secure a 3-0 lead, set the tone. Despite facing three break points, Sabalenka held her serve, dominating the first set with a 6-3 win.

In the second set, Zheng’s usually reliable serve faltered, as she committed three double faults in the opening game, conceding a break. Sabalenka capitalized on this advantage, maintaining her serve to establish a 2-0 lead. Despite a brief interruption due to protesters, Sabalenka remained composed, ultimately winning the second set 6-2.

Looking to the Future

Sabalenka’s triumph at the Australian Open solidifies her status as a dominant force in women’s tennis. Her powerful serve and aggressive playing style make her a formidable opponent. As for Zheng, despite the defeat, her performance at the Australian Open hints at a promising future, as she is set to achieve a career-high ranking of seven in the world.

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