Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka - "The best day of my life"
Aryna Sabalenka won her first Grand Slam title on Saturday. The joy of the 24-year-old knew no bounds after the top-class final against Elena Rybakina .
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Jan 28, 2023, 05:49 pm
Aryna Sabalenka has reached the goal of her dreams. The Belarusian won the Australian Open on Saturday after a thrilling 4: 6, 6: 3 and 6: 4 win over Elena Rybakina and was thus crowned the winner of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in her career. Accordingly, the 24-year-old seemed relaxed at the press conference after the match.
"I'm just super happy. And proud. This is the best day of my life right now," said Sabalenka, sipping a glass of champagne. "I'm super happy that I was able to control my emotions. I think I played the best match of my career."
Sabalenka advances to second place
In fact, she delivered a breathtaking exchange of blows with Rybakina in the Rod Laver Arena, which left nothing to be desired. After her triumph in Adelaide at the first tournament of the year, Sabalenka finalized her perfect start to the season. On Monday, the Belarusian will take second place in the world rankings.
Things haven't always gone smoothly for Sabalenka in the past. In 2022 she had to struggle with sometimes serious problems on the serve, but thanks to hard work in the off-season there was nothing to see in Melbourne. "I think I can enjoy it even more after all the tough matches," Sabalenka looked back on the difficult pre-season.
Sabalenka changes her attitude
Now Sabalenka can enjoy her first major triumph to the fullest. The 24-year-old also attributed the fact that it could come to this to a changed approach to the sport. "I've started to respect myself more. I've started to understand that I'm here because I work so hard and I'm a good player," explained Sabalenka.
Although Sabalenka can now tick her biggest goal, she obviously does not have enough: "We all have about the same goals. Of course, winning a Grand Slam tournament is not the last on my list." Industry leader Iga Swiatek probably won't be too happy to hear that.
Here is the individual tableau in Melbourne
laver arena