MELBOURNE (AFP) – An
emotional Aryna Sabalenka said it will take a “few more days” to sink in after battling from a set down to win a maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open on Saturday.
The hard-hitting Belarusian collapsed to the court in tears after winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 against Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in a high-quality 2hr 28min arm-wrestle on Rod Laver Arena.
The 24-year-old Sabalenka wiped away tears before getting a warm hug from Moscow-born Rybakina, who played a full part in a thrilling match between two of the most powerful hitters in the women’s game.
Sabalenka, the fifth seed and form player in 2023, then ran to her player’s box to celebrate with her team.
“Thank you, my team, the craziest team on the tour. We’ve been through a lot of, I would say, downs last year,” Sabalenka said, addressing her team after receiving the trophy.
Turning to beaten 22nd seed Rybakina, she added: “You’re such a great player and of course we are going to have many more battles, hopefully in finals of the Grand Slams.”
Asked by reporters if it was the greatest match she had ever played, Sabalenka said: “I would say it was. She played unbelievable tennis.
“I fought so hard to win this one. I think the tennis was great... I really enjoyed this battle.”
Sabalenka will now rise to second in the world rankings behind Poland’s Iga Swiatek, equalling her career high, having triumphed in her first Grand Slam final.
The finale was a captivating match of brutal groundstrokes, precision serving and wonderful rallies from two players at the top of their game.
It was a fitting end to two weeks of drama and shocks at Melbourne Park.
Rybakina cruised through the first set in 34 minutes but Sabalenka scrapped her way back in a 57-minute second set to take it to a nervy decider.