Aryna Sabalenka Defeats Sloane Stephens at Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka began her title defense at the Australian Open with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over Sloane Stephens, marking her 15th consecutive win at the tournament. Despite a brief lapse in the first set, where she allowed Stephens to break back, Sabalenka quickly regained control, showcasing her powerful serving and aggressive play. With this win, she aims to become the first woman since Martina Hingis in 1999 to secure three consecutive Australian Open titles. Fellow competitors, including Zheng Qinwen and Alexander Zverev, also advanced, while heavy storms disrupted play on outside courts throughout the day. Sabalenka celebrated her victory by dancing on court, expressing her love for Melbourne, which she considers her second home. Her performance not only solidified her dominance but also highlighted her mental resilience compared to previous tournaments.