Australian Open: Arnya Sabalenka Earns Praise from Justine Henin and Laura Robson for Remarkable Title Defense

24hscore analysts Justine Henin and Laura Robson provided their insights on Aryna Sabalenka’s impressive achievement as she secured her second consecutive Australian Open title. Sabalenka displayed complete dominance from the beginning, sealing a convincing straight-sets victory of 6-3, 6-2 over Qinwen Zheng. Unfortunately, Zheng couldn’t conclude her remarkable run at Melbourne Park with a victory.

This marked the 25-year-old’s third significant triumph at Melbourne Park, following her 2021 doubles title with Elise Mertens and her maiden Grand Slam singles title last year. With a total of four Grand Slam titles in both singles and doubles, Sabalenka’s performance underscores her prowess on the tennis court.

Henin, reflecting on Sabalenka’s triumph, remarked that it was a well-deserved reward for the “remarkable work” she has put in over the last two years, with the results showcasing her dedication and sacrifices. According to Henin, the outcome was expected, with occasional moments of tension at the end being a common occurrence. Throughout the tournament, Sabalenka demonstrated readiness and a love for the venue, taking control of the final from the very beginning.

Acknowledging the risk involved, Henin highlighted Sabalenka’s effective prevention of Zheng expressing herself on the court. She expressed empathy for Zheng, stating that there might be regrets for her, considering her capability for more, especially in her first Grand Slam final. Henin felt that by the time of the match point, it was too late for Zheng. Despite some interesting moments in the first set, Zheng faced challenges right from the start, impacting her performance significantly.

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“She had opportunities to break, but it was somewhat unclear; there weren’t aspects of her game that convinced us she could consistently achieve that.

“Her performance on the return was notably lacking, yet she managed to secure her service games with varying levels of authority. However, following the early break in the second set, she seemed to lose her grip.

“From that moment, Sabalenka had ample space and composure, showcasing her impressive power. She displayed remarkable solidity and faced perhaps too little adversity today.”

Continuing, she remarked, “Sabalenka has been Swiatek’s primary competitor for a considerable time, especially since winning the Australian Open last year. A certain hierarchy seemed to have been established. Today, she is pursuing another title, evident in her demeanor, adding another accomplishment to her record.”

“This reflects a significant amount of confidence, and it’s noteworthy considering Sabalenka’s progress in emotional control and various aspects of her tennis game. It’s evident that she is a dedicated individual who works diligently and harbors ambition.

She has prioritized concentrating on the crucial aspects and the style of play she aims to cultivate, setting aside unnecessary pressure and honing in on what she can effectively control. I believe this represents a commendable effort over the past two years, and she has rightfully received recognition for it.”

According to Robson, the match was a clear demonstration of Sabalenka’s overpowering strength, which proved to be too much for Zheng. Reflecting on the game, Robson noted that Sabalenka appeared nervous during the initial match points but showcased her strengths by elevating her groundstrokes and serve to secure the win. Robson emphasized Sabalenka’s consistent bravery and aggressive shot-making as key factors in her victory.

Sabalenka’s dominance, particularly her formidable power, was a standout feature throughout the two weeks of the tournament, continually improving. Robson suggested that other players in the locker room may now view Sabalenka with some concern for the remainder of the season.

Robson also highlighted the remarkable transformation in Sabalenka’s game, noting her increased confidence, especially evident in her second serve. The mental turnaround, particularly in working on her serve, has instilled belief in the overall improvement of her game. Robson concluded by praising Sabalenka’s enhanced movement, defense, and the immense pressure her groundstrokes impose on opponents.