Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka came back from a set down against Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina to win her first grand slam in Melbourne on Saturday.
Rybakina sealed the first set 6-4 and looked poised to come back even at set point in the second, however Sabalenka made it 6-3 to level matters and take the final into a third set.
The Kazakhstani world number 22 continued to fight and gave her all in a classic final set, but Sabalenka was too good, winning 6-4.
With tears of joy in her eyes, the 24-year-old left the court as the winner — but the respect and delight from her opponent was surely one of the highlights.
“I would like to congratulate Aryna. I know how hard you have worked and hopefully we will have many more battles,” Rybakina said post-match.
“Thank you for this atmosphere and I had goosebumps and I am looking forward to coming back next year. Next year I hope to go one better.”
The champion credited her team and the fans and she claimed the coveted prize.
“Thank you everyone, and thanks guys for an amazing atmosphere. It was an enjoyable tournament to play in. Thanks to my team, they are the craziest team on the tour,” she said.
“We have been through a lot of downs last year. You guys deserve this trophy more than me. I hope next year I come back even stronger and I will show you even better tennis.”
Pictured above: Aryna Sabalenka with her trophy
Image source: @AusOpen
