From the moment her title defence began two weeks ago, Aryna Sabalenka has been ready. Not only has her shot-making been utterly devastating, but she has shown significant emotional maturity by shrugging off the pressure of defending her first grand slam title after an incredible 12 months, only focusing on the very next point.
It has been clear throughout that Sabalenka has been playing at a higher level than her challengers, but she still had to hold her nerve under the heightened pressure of a major final. She closed her title defence with relentless efficiency, brutally overpowering Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-2 to win her second grand slam title.
