World number one Aryna Sabalenka overcame a shaky start to defeat Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2 on Sunday, beginning her quest for a historic third consecutive Australian Open title. Playing on Rod Laver Arena, the Belarusian recovered from an early lapse to close out the match in just over an hour, setting the stage for a promising title defense.
Sabalenka appeared to be in control early, racing to a 4-0 lead in the opening set. However, a string of unforced errors allowed the 2017 US Open champion, Stephens, to claw back to 4-3.
The world number one quickly regrouped, switching racquets and adopting a more aggressive approach. She converted her fifth break point to go up 5-3 and served out the first set in 38 minutes.
In the second set, Sabalenka dominated with a double break to take a 5-1 lead before sealing victory in 1 hour and 11 minutes.
Post-Match Reflections
“It was a tough match—always tough matches against her,” Sabalenka said of Stephens, who has struggled in Melbourne, with first-round exits in four of her last five appearances.
“It’s not like I played my best, but I was glad I was able to close it out in straight sets. I love this place—full stadium, I couldn’t ask for more.”
Sabalenka is chasing an elite milestone: becoming the first player since Martina Hingis in 1999 to win the Australian Open three years in a row. Should she succeed, she would join an illustrious group of legends, including Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Hingis, to achieve the Melbourne “three-peat.”
Next Challenge
Sabalenka’s next opponent is Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, as she looks to build on her momentum. Coming into the tournament, Sabalenka is in fine form, having claimed the Brisbane International title last week.
The 2024 season was a career-best for Sabalenka, highlighted by her maiden US Open victory, four WTA Tour titles, and seven finals appearances, earning her the WTA Player of the Year honor.
With the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup in her sights, Sabalenka is poised to etch her name even deeper into the annals of tennis history.
