Sabalenka kicks off Australian Open title defence with straightforward victory over Stephens

A determined Aryna Sabalenka (26) overcame an early challenge to secure a victory against Sloane Stephens (31) with a score of 6-3, 6-2 on Sunday, marking the commencement of her quest for a historic third consecutive title at the Australian Open.

The Belarusian faced difficulties against the 2017 US Open champion, Stephens, on Rod Laver Arena. Sabalenka initially surged to a 4-0 advantage, but a series of unforced errors allowed the American to break back twice, narrowing the score to 4-3.

This setback motivated Sabalenka, prompting her to switch racquets and adopt a more aggressive playing style. She generated multiple break points, ultimately converting on the fifth opportunity to lead 5-3, before serving out the set in 38 minutes.

Stephens, currently ranked 84th, has struggled in Melbourne, having been eliminated in the first round in four of her last five appearances. A double break propelled Sabalenka to a 5-1 lead in the second set, and she concluded the match in 1 hour and 11 minutes.

"I love this place," remarked Sabalenka, who is set to face Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro next. "The full stadium is something I couldn't ask for more. It was a tough match; matches against her are always challenging. While I didn't play my best, I was pleased to finish it in straight sets."

Should Sabalenka succeed, she would become the first player since Martina Hingis in 1999 to win the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup three times in a row.

This achievement would place her among an elite group of women, including Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Hingis, who have accomplished the Melbourne three-peat.

Entering the tournament as the top seed at a Grand Slam for the first time in her career, Sabalenka arrived in Melbourne in excellent form, having recently won the Brisbane International.

She enjoyed a remarkable 2024 season, which included her first US Open title, four WTA Tour victories, seven final appearances, and recognition as the WTA Player of the Year.

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