Aryna Sabalenka’s journey to the Australian Open final
It has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with resilience, tough matches, and unforgettable moments. The world’s No. 1 seed demonstrated grit and determination as she worked her way through challenging opponents to secure her spot in the final.
“It’s always fun playing out there, feeling all the support,” Sabalenka shared. “It’s about those little moments, and I hope to keep having them until the very end.”
A Grueling Start
In the first round, Sabalenka faced a tough challenge against Sloane Stephens, a player known for her speed and consistency. Despite the difficulty of the match, Sabalenka prevailed with a convincing 6-3, 6-2 victory.
Round two brought another battle against Jessica Pegula, where Sabalenka found herself trailing 2-5. “She played incredibly well and very aggressively,” Sabalenka said. But with determination, she turned the match around, winning 6-3, 7-5.
Pushing Through the Toughest Matches
Sabalenka’s third-round match against Fiona Ferro tested her endurance. “I didn’t feel my best, but I fought for every point,” she said after her two-hour, six-minute battle that ended with a 6-3, 7-5 win.
In the fourth round, she faced young star Clara Tauson. Sabalenka praised her opponent, saying, “She’s a great player. At her age, if I played like that, I wouldn’t have worried about my future.” The match ended with a dominating performance from Sabalenka, securing her spot in the quarterfinals.
The Craziest Match Yet
In the quarterfinals, Sabalenka met Jelena Ostapenko in what she called the “craziest match” of the tournament. The high-speed exchanges and tough conditions tested both players, but Sabalenka emerged victorious, extending her winning streak to 22 consecutive sets in Melbourne.
“I kept reminding myself to fight, no matter what,” she said.
A Third Consecutive Final
Sabalenka’s semifinal against close friend and doubles partner Elise Mertens showcased her focus and professionalism. “Off the court, we’re friends, but on the court, we’re opponents,” she explained. With a dominant display, Sabalenka secured her place in the Australian Open final for the third consecutive year.
Now, as she prepares for the ultimate showdown, Sabalenka is determined to finish what she started. “I’m super happy to have made it this far, and I’ll keep fighting until the very end.”