Aryna Sabalenka struggled a bit in her opening match at the Australian Open but ultimately managed to beat former world No. 3 Sloane Stephens in two sets 6-3 6-2.
Throughout the match, the top seed was creating chances on the return and she earned a total of 13 break points and converted five.
When it comes to serve, it worked pretty well apart from two consecutive games in the first set when the defending champion collapsed a bit.
Also, Sabalenka had 20 winners and 21 unforced errors, while Stephens finished with nine winners and 16 unforced errors.
For the Belarusian, it was her 15th consecutive win at Melbourne Park and also her eighth consecutive straight-set win at the Australian Open.
In her next match, the world No. 1 plays against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
How Sabalenka defeated Stephens?
The defending champion made a lightning start to the match, earning back-to-back breaks for a comfortable 4-0 lead.
But then stunningly, the Belarusian lost her service in consecutive games and the American managed to get back into the first set.
However, Sabalenka didn’t panic – broke Stephens again in the eighth game for a 5-3 lead – and served out for the first set in the following game.
After sealing the opener, the world No. 1 also went on a big second-set run as she won five games in a row for a 5-1 lead.
Up by a set and a double break, she closed out the match on her serve in the eighth game.
Following the win, Sabalenka said Melbourne Park “feels like home.”
Sabalenka after beating Sloane Stephens at Australian Open
“This is your 8th appearance here. You’ve won the last two. What does it feel like to walk through the doors of Melbourne Park?”
Aryna: “It feels like home.” 🥹 pic.twitter.com/JvRJnA373K
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 12, 2025
Before coming to the Australian Open, the Belarusian won the Brisbane International.
Tennis World USA