Aryna Sabalenka finally managed to end her Grand Slam singles title drought by winning the 2023 Australian Open.
The Belarusian star has started the season on an exemplary note. She won the title in Adelaide International 1 before coming to play in the Australian Open. After making it to the finals of the Australian Open without losing a set, Sabalenka faced another power-hitter Elena Rybakina.
The 24-year-old lost the first set against Rybakina and made 5 double faults. The second set turned out to be much better for Sabalenka as she drew level. In the third set, Sabalenka’s ferocious hits turned out to be just a little too hot for the 2022 Wimbledon champion. Rybakina played a great game but Sabalenka was the better player on the night. Sabalenka’s effort was filled with 17 aces.
Sabalenka was understandably emotional after defeating the Kazakhstani No. 1 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. She had to wait a long time to call herself a Grand Slam champion in singles. However, that wait is now over. That she received the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup from the legendary Billie Jean King must have made the moment even more special.
A jubilant Sabalenka hugged the members of her coaching team after winning the title. Later on, Sabalenka’s reel with her teammates became viral on social media. The brand-new Grand Slam champion posted a reel that had a voiceover of Kanye West’s Grammy speech from 2005.
Let’s take a look at some of the reactions from fans on Twitter to the reel from Aryna Sabalenka.
More Tennis news
Follow our dedicated Tennis page for instant Tennis news and updates