Aryna Sabalenka’s first grand slam final began with a double fault. Her first Championship point, too, was a double fault. But in between, Sabalenka produced a near faultless display of the improvements she has made to her game, as the 24-year-old battled from a set down to defeat Elena Rybakina in a thrilling Australian Open final. Sabalenka’s first grand slam title required three more Championship points to close it out. There, as she had done so impressively since falling behind, Sabalenka kept her cool to prevail in what was an absorbing contest.
In almost two and a half hours on Rod Laver Arena, Sabalenka’s newly-found mental toughness was put under the fiercest of examinations by the Wimbledon champion. As Rybakina ramped up the pressure on the returns, Sabalenka went through the full array of emotions, as double faults were followed by aces, winners by unforced errors. She was up, down, on her haunches, pumping her fist, gesticulating to her box, roaring on forehands. It made for a compelling sight as the momentum of the final shifted and turned.
