Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka made history on Saturday as she defeated Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina to clinch the Australian Open 2023 title in Melbourne.
Fifth seed Sabalenka came back from behind to outclass her 22nd-seeded opponent 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to clinch her maiden Grand Slam title at the Rod Laver Arena.
The only set she has dropped all season was the opener on Saturday against Rybakina, who eliminated No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the fourth round.
Sabalenka also extended unbeaten record against Rybakina to 4-0 in head-to-head matches with this win.
“We’ve been through a lot of, I would say, downs last year,” said Sabalenka, who was appearing in her first major final. “We worked so hard and you guys deserve this trophy. It’s more about you than it’s about me.”
Sabalenka was 0-3 in Grand Slam semifinals until eliminating Magda Linette in Melbourne. Now Sabalenka has done one better and will rise to No. 2 in the rankings.
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