Aryna Sabalenka defeats Zheng Qinwen to win Australian Open titles

Aryna Sabalenka's victory in the Australian Open 2024 Women's Final was a testament to her unwavering determination and exceptional skill on the tennis court. The Belarusian player displayed remarkable resilience throughout the tournament, showcasing her ability to overcome formidable opponents and emerge victorious.

Sabalenka's journey to the final was marked by intense battles against some of the world's top-ranked players. Her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive playing style proved to be a winning combination, as she dominated her opponents with precision and finesse. In the final match, Sabalenka faced off against a seasoned rival who had previously defeated her in several high-stakes matches.

Sabalenka ensured she wasn't a one-hit wonder by clinching back-to-back Australian Open titles with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Zheng Qinwen on Saturday in a one-sided women's final that contrasted sharply with her comeback three-set victory here over Elena Rybakina last year.

"I just wanted to show that I'm able to be consistently there and I'm able to win another one," she said. "So compared to last year, it's a completely different me. Compared to the U.S. Open, once again, it's a different me; I'm more controlled and kind of like don't let the rest of the things come to my mind."

She said the experience of playing in more big matches -- including last year's US Open final loss to Coco Gauff -- had left her "emotionally ready" for a fast start that she never surrendered.

"Compared to last year, it's completely different me," Sabalenka said. "I'm more controlled and ... don't let the rest of the things come to my mind, and I was focusing on myself."

She has enhanced her reputation as one of the world's premier hard-court players; of the 14 titles she has won, 12 have come on hard courts, including her two Grand Slams in Melbourne.

Before Sabalenka, fellow Belarusian Victoria Azarenka in 2013 was the last woman to win back-to-back titles in Melbourne.

Reaching the final four in seven of the last nine major tournaments and playing in three finals, Sabalenka has more challenges ahead. She's the No. 2 player in the world behind No. 1 Iga Świątek.

Now bolstered by her latest showing, Sabalenka has strong momentum for the French Open in May.

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Sarah H

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