28 January 2023 , 11:14
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Aryna Sabalenka has been crowned the women's Australian Open champion after defeating Elena Rybakina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in Saturday's final at the Rod Laver Arena. Sabalenka's victory in Melbourne is her first ever singles Grand Slam title.
The Belarusian national - who was competing under a neutral flag following the invasion of Ukraine - secured her victory after initially falling a set behind in the early stages, after Rybakina clinched the opener 6-4.
The eventual champion bounced back impressively though, as she levelled things up by winning set two 6-3, before claiming a 6-4 victory in the decider to complete the comeback.
This is not Sabalenka’s first victory in Melbourne, after she clinched the doubles title alongside Elise Mertens in the 2021 edition of the event. Her task at hand on Saturday was no doubt a tough one, when facing the defending Wimbledon champion in Rybakina.
And things got even tougher for the Belarusian early on, as her serve was broken just three games into the final in Melbourne. Sabalenka did break back soon after to get herself back into the opener to level things up at four games apiece.
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Aryna Sabalenka secured a famous victory in Melbourne on Saturday (Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP/REX/Shutterstock)She soon handed this back to the Kazakhstani though, as Rybakina bounced back to win two straight games to clinch the first set 6-4. Despite the early set back Sabalenka seemingly was not deterred as she hit back soon after.
The 24-year-old star managed to hold onto her serve throughout set two, before breaking game four to ensure she levelled things back up at one set each, after clinching the second 6-3. Both players had enjoyed an impressive run to Saturday's finale, and this was hot form was showing at the Rod Laver Arena.
Whilst both were playing some of their best tennis and level at 1-1, it was Sabalenka who headed into the decider with the momentum, coming off the back of winning set two. And this went on to show in the third, as her class shone through when it mattered most.
It was not to be for Elena Rybakina (Getty Images)The Belarusian once again managed to hold onto her serve throughout the whole set after importantly breaking her opponent's in game seven. A tense deciding game then played out as Sabalenka served for match point, which she was able to convert to secure a famous victory in Melbourne.
Speaking after the victory, the Australian Open champion said: "Thank you so much for everyone who made this tour happen. The tour director, the referees, line umpires, ball kids... everyone who helped me do this week. Thank you for an amazing atmosphere. It was enjoyable to play in front of you.
“And my team - the craziest team on tour. We’ve been through a lot of downs last year. We worked so hard and you guys deserve this trophy. This is more about you than about me. Thank you so much for everything you do for me. I love you guys. Thank you for an amazing atmosphere. I hope next year I can come back stronger, can show you even better tennis and you guys will support me once more.”