I am speechless: Sabalenka after winning the 2023 Australian Open
I am speechless: Sabalenka after winning the 2023 Australian Open
Aryna Siarhieje?na Sabalenka broke down in tears on the court after beating Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina by 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a match that continued for two and a half hours on Rod Laver Arena.
The Belarussian said it will take “a few more days” to sink in after overcoming a set deficit to win his first grand slam title at the Australian Open on Saturday.
The 24-year-old Sabalenka wiped off her tears before accepting a warm hug from Rybakina, a Moscow native who took part in a thrilling match between two of the game’s most powerful hitters.
Then Sabalenka, the top player in 2023 and the fifth seed, hurried to her player’s box to join her team in jubilation.
What did Sabalenka say after the victory?
“Thank you, my team, the craziest team on the tour. We’ve been through a lot of, I would say, downs last year,” Sabalenka said to her colleagues after winning the award.
She continued, referring to Rybakina, “You’re such a great player and of course, we are going to have many more battles, hopefully in the finals of the Grand Slams.”
When asked if that was the best game she has ever played, Sabalenka responded: “I would say it was. She played unbelievable tennis.
“I fought so hard to win this one. I think the tennis was great… I really enjoyed this battle.”
After winning her first Grand Slam final, Sabalenka will now hold a career-high ranking of second in the world, behind Poland’s Iga Swiatek.
In the championship match, two players at the top of their game put on a thrilling show of hard groundstrokes, pinpoint serving, and tremendous rallies.
It was a perfect end to two weeks of tension and surprises at Melbourne Park.
“I need a few more days to realize what just happened,” Sabalenka told Australia’s Channel Nine.
“Oh my god, I’m speechless, to be honest.”
‘Take a deep breath’
“I was just super happy that I was able to handle all the emotions in the last game, it was super tough for me,” added Sabalenka, who had previously had three Grand Slam semifinal appearances but had not advanced any further.
She has a history of nervousness issues, and she had a horrible year with her serve.
“They were really tough matches and I just couldn’t understand until right now that I needed that to understand what I have to change,” Sabalenka added.
“I now know what else I have to work on and I’m just super happy right now to break through this wall.”
Rybakina seemed disappointed by her defeat
Rybakina will take comfort in cracking the top 10 for the first time after winning her second Grand Slam match in seven months. She received no ranking points for her victory because Russian and Belarusian players were prohibited from competing at Wimbledon.
“I don’t think tomorrow I’m going to feel different just because of the ranking now,” said a disappointed Rybakina.
The new rankings will be released on Monday, and Rybakina, who is presently ranked 25th, is predicted to move up to 10th.
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