Aryna Sabalenka is determined to keep winning grand slam titles and increasing her tally, as she defeated 12th seed Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-2 in just 76 minutes to claim her second Australian Open victory.
Sabalenka, the second seed, expressed her desire to not be a player who wins and then fades away. She wanted to prove that she can consistently perform and win more than just one title. Although she hoped for more than two wins, she emphasized the importance of constantly working hard and striving to improve her game, regardless of the outcome.
She ended a very powerful two weeks here by successfully defending her first-ever grand slam championship. Sabalenka did not lose a single set and only gave up 31 games, which is the second lowest in the 21st century. In her last six grand slam events, Sabalenka has achieved two titles, one runner-up finish, and three semi-final appearances. While she remains in the No 2 position, Sabalenka will probably continue to compete with Iga Swiatek for the top ranking this year.
Despite experiencing a successful year and reaching the top ranking for the first time, Sabalenka also faced several challenging defeats. She expressed that despite her efforts to continue her success after winning her first grand slam title, she now comprehends why the thrill of winning such a title never diminishes. “I thought that it would make me more carefree and less concerned about certain things after last year,” she explained. “But that’s not the case. The desire to win is still strong, and I continue to put in hard work and effort, showing up and fighting for it while giving my best performance.”
“Prior to witnessing these champions shedding tears after each victory, I used to think, ‘You’ve done this 15 times, why are you still crying?’ But now, even though I haven’t reached that level, I can empathize with their emotions. The pressure and expectations remain the same every time, and the desire for success is just as strong. It’s a deeply emotional experience.”
Sabalenka was elated after achieving a significant milestone, while Zheng was left feeling disappointed after her first grand slam final. She was not satisfied with her performance and regretted not being able to make it a more intense match. This was the first time the 21-year-old had advanced past the quarter-final stage in a slam. Facing a top-ranked opponent in top form, Zheng was unable to match their strength and skill.
She expressed that she can gain more knowledge through defeat and hopes to return as a stronger player next time.
Source: theguardian.com
