Aryna Sabalenka defeated China’s Zheng Qinwen on Saturday to successfully defend her Australian Open title, becoming the first woman to do so in more than a decade.
The Belarusian world number two defeated the 12th seed 6-3, 6-2 in 76 minutes to win her second Grand Slam title on Rod Laver Arena.
It concluded Sabalenka’s amazing exhibition of power and poise over the last two weeks, as the 25-year-old cruised to the title without dropping a set in seven matches.
The last time the tournament saw a successful women’s title defence was in 2013, when fellow Belarusian Victoria Azarenka accomplished the task.
Sabalenka’s recent performances solidified her image as one of the game’s most consistent Grand Slam contenders, having reached at least the semi-finals in her previous six majors, making three finals, and winning twice.
“It’s been a fantastic few weeks. I couldn’t imagine holding this trophy one more time, and it’s an incredible sensation right now. “I’m speechless,” she added.
Sabalenka also offered words of support to Zheng.
“I understand how you feel; it’s difficult to lose in a final, but you’re such a fantastic athlete and young girl. “You will be in many more finals, and you will win,” she remarked.
In brilliant crimson, she dominated Zheng with powerful groundstrokes deep into both corners and a solid serve.
Zheng had reached her maiden Grand Slam final without facing a seed when a slew of opponents dropped out early on her side of the draw, exposing the class divide.
Amazing memory
“It’s my first final and I’m feeling a little bit of pity,” Zheng added with a laugh. “I feel really complicated because I believe I could have done it better.
“But I truly enjoyed playing at the Australian Open; it’s a great memory for me. I’m confident there will be more and better in the future.”
The Belarussian began with a good serve and had a chance at two break opportunities at 15-40 in Zheng’s first service game when the Chinese star smacked a backhand wide.
She seizes the opportunity, attacking her opponent’s second serve for the break.
Sabalenka maintained her serve for 3-0, but only after saving three break points as Zheng’s nerves calmed and she battled to get back into the game.
In game four, the Chinese star eventually scored when her serve connected with two massive unreturnable aces and a forehand winner, giving her confidence.
But she had few answers to Sabalenka’s powerful serve, battling to bring the ball back over the net and into rallies.
Zheng saved three set points with a pair of aces and a winner to hold for 3-5, but it just delayed the inevitable, as Sabalenka won the set on serve in 33 minutes.
Three double faults, including one on break point, put Zheng on the back foot in the second set as the pressure built.
And there was no coming back as she surrendered another break to fall 4-1 up as Sabalenka hit a perfect drop shot.
Zheng fought until the end, saving four championship points before the second seed finished the match to win her 14th career title.
Despite the loss, Zheng has had a breakout event and will enter the world’s top ten when the new rankings are revealed next week.
Sabalenka will remain at number two, trailing Iga Swiatek, who was eliminated in the third round.