Aryna Sabalenka Never Imagine Lifting The Australian Open Trophy In A Row
JAKARTA - The name Aryna Sabalenka was again imprinted on the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup - the name of the Australian Open women's singles trophy - after the second seed won the Australian Open 2024 women's singles title by defeating Zheng Qinwen.
The 25-year-old, who appeared with steel determination to lift his boxing and kissed the sky after securing a 6-3 and 6-2 victory at Rod Laver Arena on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
He is the first consecutive Australian Open champion since Victoria Azarenka won in 2012 and 2013. Sabalenkan became the second tennis player to win his first two major tournaments in Melbourne in the Open era.
The world number two won 84 percent of the first service points. He also saved each of the four break points he faced on his way to claim his second single Grand Slam title with the most dominant appearance in the Australian Open women's singles final.
The record is almost similar to Azarenka's achievements. He only lost three games against Maria Sharapova in the final in 2012.
"Thank you Evonne for being an inspiration to all of us and receiving this beautiful trophy from you is a joy for me," said Sabalenka, who was awarded the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup by Evonne Goolagong Cawley, at the 50th anniversary of the Australian Open AO Cup. Australian Legend's First.
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The second seed, who was defeated in the final of the US Open September 2023, did not forget to congratulate Zheng for breaking into the top 10 after his slick trip to Australia.
Sabalenkan motivated Zheng that one day the 21-year-old will win the title after seeing his abilities.
"I know this feeling, it's very difficult to lose in the final, but you are an amazing player. You are a young girl. You will be in more finals and you will get it (the title)," Sabalenka said on the Australian Open website.
"Thank you very much for being on my side, whatever happens. Without you, I wouldn't be able to achieve much in this sport," he told his team. "I put a little pressure on them after the final at Brisbane. We performed a little better in this match," he said.
"It's been an incredible few weeks. I can't imagine myself lifting this trophy once again."
"I love you so much. You are my biggest motivation. Everything I do, I do for you," he told the family.
In addition, Sabalenka also paid tribute to the audience Rod Laver Arena. He admitted that their support for two weeks made the 2024 Australian Open very special.
"I love you so much. I can't wait to come back," he said.