Sabalenka claims Melbourne trophy double at expense of Zheng

Aryna Sabalenka took control from the start but needed a fighting finish to defeat Zheng Qinwen as the No. 2 seed claimed her second straight title at the Australian Open on Saturday 6-3, 6-2..

The world No. 2 had to battle in the final game as her 15th-ranked Chinese opponent – now moving into the Top 10 – saved four match points and put the holder under pressure with a break point.

Sabalenka finally concluded the win after 77 minutes with a cross-court winner; she accepted the trophy from Aussie tennis icon Evonne Goolagong Cawley.

Sabalenka is the first woman to defend the Melbourne title since Belarus countrywoman Victoria Azarenka in 2013.

Sabalenka swept to the trophy without losing a set over the fortnight as she won her 14th consecutive match here.

“Congrat to Qinwen on reaching the final, I know how tough it is to lose.” Sabalenka said. 

“You are an incredible player, a young girl (21). I’m sure you will win one.

“It’s been an amazing couple of weeks for me. I could not have imagined holding this trophy for a second time.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling – I’m speechless, I’m sure (the rest of) this speech will be weird.

“Thanks to my family (at home), they are my biggest motivation. I can;t wait to come back here next year.

The seed claimed the opening set in 33 minutes, but needed five set points to take the lead. 

Sabalenka started the second set with a break of Zheng as the challenger delivered three double-faults.

Sabalenka raced to 5-1 but was tested in the final game before securing victory.

The winner was  competing in her 26th career final: since 2017 and will remain second in the WTA ranking on Monday behind Iga Swiatek, 

Zheng took the comprehensive Grand Slam finals defeat in good spirits after winning her first WTA title only last summer.

“It’s my first (Grand Slam) final, I’m feeling a bit dizzy,” the finalist said. “This is a new experience for me.

“I wish I could have done it (played) better. But I enjoyed playing here, it will be an amazing memory for me.

.”I’m sure there will be more and better times in the future.”