Aryna Sabalenka Cruises Past Stephens to Begin Title Defense

Aryna Sabalenka began her Australian Open title defense with a dominant 6-3, 6-2 victory over American Sloane Stephens in the first round. The world number one and back-to-back champion in Melbourne aims to become the seventh player to win three consecutive Australian Open titles, the first since Martina Hingis in 1999. After a slight wobble in the opening set, Sabalenka recovered to secure the win in straight sets, although she admitted that she didn’t play her best.

“I’m super happy to be back. I love this place and we have a full stadium, I couldn’t dream for more,” she said. The Belarusian, who has won 28 of her last 29 hard-court Slam matches since 2023 is a strong contender for the women’s title and has now won 17 consecutive sets at Melbourne Park. Off the court, Sabalenka entertained the crowd with some dance moves and later took a polaroid picture of the audience though she quickly realized the film had run out.

The top seed will next face Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, who defeated Britain’s Sonay Kartal, in the second round. Sabalenka’s victory comes after a solid 2024 season, finishing the year as the world number one. Despite a shaky start where Stephens broke back twice in the opening set, Sabalenka regained control, ultimately taking both sets with ease.

In contrast, Sloane Stephens a former US Open champion, has struggled since Wimbledon last year. Aryna Sabalenka, who warmed up for the Australian Open by winning the Brisbane International, looks in strong form for a potential “three-peat,” further solidifying her position as the heavy favorite to claim the title again this year.