Sabalenka wins her first Grand Slam title

Aryna Sabalenka is the 2023 Australian Open women’s singles champion.

The 24-year-old Belarusian defeated Elena Rybakina in three sets. Even though Sabalenka dropped their first set in 2023, 4-6; she came back to take the last two sets, 6-3, 6-4, to confirm her strong start to the WTA season and bring her singles record for the year to 11-0.

Without dropping a set during the two-week tournament, Sabalenka served out of the match and took the first game, but Rybakina held serve and broke the No. 5 spot in the third game before holding serve in the fourth to take a 16-set lead. 3-1. . Sabalenka broke in the eighth game to tie the set at 4-4. But he didn’t hold out and Rybakina took the next two games to win the first set 6-4 in 34 minutes.

Sabalenka served in the second set and held serve, breaking Rybakina in the fourth to take a 3-1 lead. The reigning Wimbledon champion got back on the scoresheet in the sixth game when Sabalenka led 4-2.

After about an hour and a half, the match was level when Sabalenka won the second set 6-3.

The third set lasted almost an hour, as both players held serve until the seventh game, when Sabalenka broke through to take a 4-3 lead. He then held serve to take a 5-3 lead. Rybakina held serve in the ninth game to put pressure on the Belarusian to serve out the match.

The final game lasted 10 minutes, with Rybakina conceding defeat on an unforced error. Sabalenka served 16 aces to Rybakina’s nine, but conceded seven double faults, though he had 51 winners to Rybakina’s 31.

Subsequently, Sabalenka said in the post-match interview: “I want to say sorry for my English because I’m still shaking,” Sabalenka said.

“I’m super nervous. It is a great inspiration to receive this trophy from you. [Billie Jean King]. Thank you very much for everything you have done for our sport.”

Sabalenka then turned her attention to Rybakina, whom she praised for a difficult encounter. “You are a great player. Of course, we are going to have many more battles, hopefully in the final of a Grand Slam”.

Sabalenka, who had revealed that she was working to keep her cool on the pitch, also praised her coaching team, led by Anton Dubrov.

“We’ve been through a lot of casualties in the past year. We work very hard. You deserve this trophy. It’s more about you than me. Thank you so much for all you are doing for me. I love you guys.”

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