Aryna Sabalenka claims back-to-back Australian Open triumphs with a straight-sets win
Aryna Sabalenka confirmed her status as one of the tournament’s dominant forces by sweeping aside Zheng Quinwen in the final, securing the title without dropping a set. The Belarusian rose to the occasion at the Rod Laver Arena, delivering a performance that blended power, precision, and unwavering mental tenacity. In what became a compelling clash between a seasoned Grand Slam finalist and a 21-year-old challenger, Sabalenka demonstrated why she remains one of the game’s most complete players. This victory lifts her into the top ranks, with the world’s number two position reaffirmed as she adds another Australian Open crown to her rapidly growing collection.
From the opening exchanges, Sabalenka showed the intent that has become her hallmark—aggressive serving and a forehand that translates pressure into points. Her first service games set the tone: two powerful aces on the opening point established her control, and a relentless rhythm on serve kept Zheng chasing. The Belarusian kept the tempo high, forcing errors at crucial moments and turning serves into economical points that kept her opponent on the defensive throughout the first set.
maximum intensity seals the win
Sabalenka seized command early in the match, racing to a 3-0 lead as Zheng found it difficult to restrain the rival’s pace. The Chinese player did surface as a credible threat, particularly with her own serve leading the tournament in aces, but Sabalenka’s consistency and depth of shot-making slowly denied Zheng the windows needed to alter the course of the set. Zheng’s serve produced 24 aces in the match, a statistic that illustrated the high level at which both players were operating, even as Sabalenka’s power repeatedly tilted rallies in her favor.
Despite Zheng’s early resistance, Sabalenka remained relentless. The Chinese finalist battled to counter the tempo with aggressive returns and bold ball-striking, yet the Belarusian absorbed and redirected pressure with precision. A few moments of danger did appear as Zheng orchestrated a run that briefly threatened to shift momentum, but Sabalenka steadied herself. She applied the same intensity in every rally, refusing to allow a single moment to slip away and maintaining a clear sense of control over the match’s most pivotal points.
The second set began with Sabalenka earning the upper hand again and earning a crucial breakthrough early on. Zheng faced a stretch of hard-hitting baseline exchanges that exposed the challenger’s vulnerability under sustained pressure. Three double faults from Zheng underscored the growing strain, as Sabalenka’s consistent offense kept her advantage intact. The match continued to tilt in Sabalenka’s favor, and she refused to relinquish the initiative, sealing the victory in a brisk 1 hour and 16 minutes. Zheng’s bid to rally faded as Sabalenka closed out the match with her characteristic blend of power and accuracy, confirming her status as a formidable force on the Grand Slam stage.
What stood out throughout the encounter was Sabalenka’s ability to translate momentum into outcomes. Her serve remained a weapon, her forehand a steady engine, and her movement around the court hinted at a well-rounded player who can adapt to different tempos and styles. The victory not only adds a second consecutive Australian Open title to her résumé but also reaffirms her place among the sport’s elite, capable of handling the pressure of a final against a rising star and rising to the occasion when it matters most. As the crowd reflected on a match that showcased both players at their best, Sabalenka’s triumph provided a clear message: she is ready to defend her crown and continue to challenge for major honors in the seasons ahead.