Australian Open 2023 Melbourne Park Day 13 28/01/2023 Aryna Sabalenka (XXX) cuddles the trophy after she wins Ladies Singles Final Photo Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
Reigning Champion Aryna Sabalenka was forced to start her title defence after midnight on Day 1 of the 2024 Australian Open.
Possibly out of frustration due the late start, Sabalenka recorded victory in a record 53 minutes, dropping just one game.
Her opponent qualifier Ella Seidel playing in her maiden Grand Slam won only 10 points whilst losing the first set 0-6 in just 22 minutes but avoided the dreaded double bagel losing the second 1-6.
The victorious Belarus said in her post match interview “Super happy to be back in Melbourne – I have incredible memories from here,”
“Hopefully I can stay here till the very last day”
“I still need to work for my dreams. It’s been so amazing I have been able to achieve so many goals in my tennis and there are more to come.”
In addition to winning the 2023 Australian Open she also reached the semi-finals in Paris and Wimbledon before losing to Coco Gauff in the final of the US Open becoming the first player since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach the semi-finals at all four Slams in a single season.
Main photo:-Aryna Sabalenka cuddles the 2023 Australian Open trophy by ROGER PARKER INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FOTOS LTD
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