Aryna Sabalenka scripts history after defending Australian Open title, thrashes Qinwen Zheng in final to become 1st to do this in 11 years

Aryna Sabalenka comprehensively defended her Australian Open title by defeating Qinwen Zheng in straight sets in women's singles final in Melbourne on January 27. World no.2 Aryna Sabalenka clinched the Australian Open 2024 title with a 6-3, 6-2 win over the 12th-seeded Zheng, who was competing in her first grand slam final. This has happened for the first time in eleven years that any woman has defended her women's singles Australian Open title.

Sabalenka also became only the fifth woman to win the Australian Open without dropping a set after Lindsay Davenport, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Ash Barty. Following her victory she became only the second woman to secure consecutive titles at Melbourne Park, a feat previously achieved by Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013.

Sabalenka showcased remarkable consistency throughout the fortnight, not losing a single set and winning 28 of her last 29 sets in Melbourne, a streak that includes her championship run in 2023. This achievement made her the fifth player in history to win the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup without dropping a set, joining the ranks of Ash Barty (2022), Serena Williams (2017), Maria Sharapova (2008), and Lindsay Davenport (2000).

This dominant victory also improved Sabalenka's record in major finals to 2-1, placing her among the 10 current WTA players who have won multiple Grand Slam titles. This elite group includes Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, Garbiñe Muguruza, Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and Venus Williams.

In her third Grand Slam final appearance, Sabalenka gained an early advantage by breaking Zheng in the first set, leading 2-0. Zheng fought back, creating three break-point opportunities in the following game, but Sabalenka successfully defended them and took the first set 6-3 in just 32 minutes.

In the second set, Sabalenka broke Zheng's serve twice, capitalizing on Zheng's struggle with her first serves. Sabalenka swiftly advanced to a 5-2, 40-0 lead, but Zheng saved four consecutive championship points, forcing deuces and earning a break point. Finally, on her fifth championship point, the 2023 US Open finalist sealed her victory.

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