By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-01-28 03:40:55
Aryna Sabalenka proved herself as the Australian Open favourite by defeating Zheng Qinwen to retain the women’s title. The Belarusian second seed won 6-3 6-2 and claimed her second Grand Slam singles trophy without dropping a set.
Despite the passionate support for 12th seed Zheng from the Chinese crowd, Sabalenka remained composed and dominated from the start, ultimately draining the energy from her opponent and the crowd. She became the first woman to win back-to-back titles since Victoria Azarenka in 2013. Sabalenka, at 25 years old, quickly secured victory in just over an hour, following in the footsteps of her compatriot Azarenka.
After top seed Iga Swiatek was eliminated in the third round, Sabalenka emerged as the strong favourite and did not disappoint, completing her victory and solidifying her position as the champion. “It’s been an amazing couple of weeks and I couldn’t imagine lifting the trophy another time,” said Sabalenka.
This impressive performance by Sabalenka solidifies her position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis and proves why she was considered the favourite to win the Australian Open. Her dominant play and composed demeanor during the match showcased her prowess and determination on the court.
The victory is a testament to Sabalenka’s skill and mental fortitude, and it is clear that she will continue to be a formidable competitor in future tournaments. With her second Grand Slam singles trophy under her belt, Sabalenka has firmly established herself as one of the top players in the world of tennis.
