Jennifer
On 28 January 2023, the stage was set for a grand final in the Women’s single of the Australian Open. Aryna Sabalenka took on Elena Rybakina in the Rod Laver Arena. Elena Rybakina is the reigning Wimbledon champion. It was her first Grand Slam title that she won in 2022. On the other hand, it was the first major final for Aryna Sabalenka.
So, it was a great opportunity for the player from Belarus to win her first-ever Grand Slam. However, both players had a convincing semi-final against their respective opponents. Sabalenka defeated Magda Linette 7(7)-6(1), 6-2 while Rybakina defeated Victoria Azarenka 7(7)-6(4), 6-3.
Aryna Sabalenka won her first Grand Slam title after a 2 hrs 28 minutes clash in the final
But, Sabalenka did not disappoint her fans as she won the final. The match lasted for 2 hrs 28 minutes and ended at 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in favor of Aryna Sabalenka. She improved to 11-0 in 2023, and the only set she has dropped all season was the opener on Saturday against Wimbledon champion Rybakina. After losing the first set, Sabalenka showed great fighting spirit as she made a comeback and won the following two sets. During the post-match presentation, Rybakina said: “I would like to congratulate Aryna. I know how hard you have worked and hopefully, we will have many more battles. Thank you for this atmosphere I had goosebumps and I am looking forward to coming back next year. Next year I hope to go one better.”
Meanwhile, Sabalenka said: “I am super nervous, I want to thank Miss King she has done so much, congratulations, Elena. Hopefully, we will have many more battles, hopefully in the final of grand slams. Thank you, everyone, and thanks guys for an amazing atmosphere. It was an enjoyable tournament to play in. Thanks to my team, they are the craziest team on the tour. We have been through a lot of downs last year. You guys deserve this trophy more than me. I hope next year I come back even stronger and I will show you even better tennis.” Fans also came up with their views in order to congratulate Aryna Sabalenka for the victory.
Here is how fans have reacted to the victory of Aryna Sabalenka in the Australia Open:
That has to be the best women’s finals in ages #AustralianOpen #sabalenkarybakina
— Alicia (@natternats) January 28, 2023
What a final #AustralianOpen
— 𝓐𝓻𝓴𝓲 🇦🇺 (@Arki_UTD) January 28, 2023
Russian and Belarusian tennis is strong.
Nothing more needs to be said.#auspol #AustralianOpen #tennis
— Ned (@eSportsTrainer) January 28, 2023
One of the best finals in years, thank you ladies for an amazing tennis!!! #AO2023 #AustralianOpen
— mens desperata (@_nobl_) January 28, 2023
That was a really hard fought match from both players and thoroughly entertaining to watch.Congratulations @SabalenkaA 🏆
— D_T (@D_Taylor76) January 28, 2023
Well Played #Rybakina 👏👏👏
Congratulations #Sabalenka 🏆#AustralianOpen https://t.co/KkDkZ5nid2— Vikrant (@Vikrant18877) January 28, 2023
She’s going to win @usopen too
— NòláN (@fallohme) January 28, 2023
Well deserved! Fighting spirit of a champion! 👏🏻
— Ramona Petri (@ramona_petri) January 28, 2023
