- Second seed powers to 6-3, 6-2 victory at Melbourne Park
- Belarusian dominates for triumph in just over 75 minutes
From the very start of her time in Melbourne two weeks ago, Aryna Sabalenka has been locked in and ready for anything. Not only has her shot-making been utterly devastating, but she has shown significant emotional maturity by shrugging off the pressure of defending her first grand slam following an incredible 12 months, always remaining focused on the very next point.
It has been clear throughout the tournament that no player has come close to Sabalenka’s level, but she still had to hold her nerve under the heightened pressure of a major final. She closed her title defence with relentless efficiency on Saturday, brutally overpowering Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-2 to win her second grand slam title at the Australian Open.