Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her title at the Australian Open. She clearly defeated the Chinese Zheng Qinwen.
The Belarusian prevailed 6:3, 6:2 in the final in Melbourne after a show of force and celebrated the second Grand Slam triumph of her career.
Sabalenka secured prize money of around 1.9 million euros and is unbeaten in 14 games at Melbourne Park. The 25-year-old world number two didn’t drop a set during the tournament.
Used the fifth match point
After just 1:16 hours, she used her fifth match point and became the first player to successfully defend the title in Melbourne since her compatriot Wiktoria Asarenka in 2013. Zheng, on the other hand, missed out on ascending the throne of Melbourne ten years after her compatriot Li Na. The 21-year-old can console herself with the equivalent of around one million euros in prize money and will move into the top ten of the WTA world rankings for the first time.
“It’s been an incredible few weeks, I couldn’t imagine winning here again. I’m speechless,” said Sabalenka: “Thanks to my team and my family. I can’t wait to come back.”
“It was my first final, I feel sad. But thanks to all the fans who came here to support me,” Zheng said.
Dominant from the start
Sabalenka easily won the only previous meeting between the two in two sets in the quarterfinals of the US Open 2023, and on Saturday in the Rod Laver Arena she was also the clearly dominant player from the start. The favorite managed a quick break, with her powerful groundstrokes and strong serve she gave Zheng Qinwen no chance. The loud support of the many Chinese spectators also helped the world number 15. not. After 33 minutes, Sabalenka took the first set.
No real chance for Zheng
Sabalenka also had everything under control in the second set. The Belarusian managed another quick break, also because Zheng Qinwen made three double faults. The Chinese tried to hold back and also managed some nice points. But the 21-year-old didn’t have a real chance against the overpowering defending champions. Sabalenka did not allow herself to be disturbed by a short interruption at the beginning of the second set due to a spectator’s pro-Palestine protest.
At 43: Indian Bopanna wins doubles title
Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna has won the doubles title at the Australian Open with his Australian partner Matthew Ebden at the age of 43. The duo defeated the Italians Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori on Saturday with strong nerves 7:6 (7:0), 7:5 and celebrated their first Grand Slam title together. On Monday, Bopanna will become the oldest professional in history to become number one in the doubles competition.
“I’m 43, but I always say: I’m level 43. I found a fantastic partner, we had a fantastic tournament,” said Bopanna, who turns 44 in March and has been on the professional tour for over 20 years. In 2017, Bopanna won the mixed doubles title at the French Open, and Ebden won the doubles competition at Wimbledon in 2022 with his former partner Max Purcell.
2024-01-27 10:08:53
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