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Aryna Sabalenka’s Australian Open Victory Fulfilling Late Father’s Dream
Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka kissed her hands and raised them skyward. Securing a 6-3, 6-2 victory against Qinwen Zheng at the 2024 Australian Open, she clinched her second consecutive title in Melbourne. This achievement held a profound significance for Sabalenka as it fulfilled a dream she shared with her late father, Sergey, who passed away suddenly in 2019. After the win, she expressed, “I lost my father four years ago. We had one dream – that before 25, I will win a couple of Grand Slams.”
At the age of 25, as of May 2023, Aryna Sabalenka has secured two career Grand Slam victories. Despite facing moments of doubt, especially concerning her serve, she persevered, driven by the belief that her late father, who was a significant source of inspiration, would be proud of her accomplishments. Sabalenka acknowledged that there were times when she questioned her ability to achieve her goal, but her commitment to honoring her family, including her mother and sister, propelled her forward. She emphasized the enduring influence of her father, stating, “He’s been everything for me.” Grateful for his support, Sabalenka expressed that without him, she wouldn’t be where she is today.
Sabalenka delivered an impressive performance, dominating Zheng in a 75-minute match and securing one of the most commanding victories in Grand Slam history. Throughout her journey to the championship, she maintained perfection by winning all 14 sets, conceding only 31 games. This achievement puts her in an elite group, joining the likes of Ash Barty (2022), Serena Williams (2017), Maria Sharapova (2008), and Lindsay Davenport (2000), who also won the Australian Open without dropping a set in this century. Sabalenka’s consecutive titles make her the first woman since Victoria Azarenka in 2013 to achieve back-to-back victories in Melbourne.
Having reached the semifinals in seven of the last nine major tournaments and participating in three finals, Sabalenka faces more challenges ahead as the current world No. 2, with Iga Świątek holding the top spot. With the momentum gained from her recent success, Sabalenka looks forward to the French Open in May.
