Aryna Sabalenka powered through her Australian Open opener Sunday, defeating Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2 to begin her historic bid for a third consecutive title at Melbourne Park. The world No. 1 showcased her signature thunderous forehand and newfound mental grit, rallying after early hiccups to secure her 15th straight hardcourt Grand Slam victory.
\"I just want to keep winning here as long as I can,\" Sabalenka said about Rod Laver Arena, where she's claimed two of her three major trophies. Fans witnessed her evolution firsthand: after squandering a 4-0 lead in the first set, the Belarusian star regrouped with clutch net play and even stunned Stephens with a cheeky baseline drop shot.
Though China's Wang Xinyu fell to Spain's Paula Badosa 6-3, 7-6(5) earlier in the day, Sabalenka’s dominant performance stole the spotlight. Next up? A showdown with Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro as Sabalenka eyes a historic feat last achieved by Martina Hingis in 1999. Will the \"Threepeat Era\" begin?
The world No. 1 showcased her signature thunderous forehand and newfound mental grit, rallying after early hiccups to secure her 15th straight hardcourt Grand Slam victory.
Fans witnessed her evolution firsthand: after squandering a 4-0 lead in the first set, the Belarusian star regrouped with clutch net play and even stunned Stephens with a cheeky baseline drop shot. 
Next up? A showdown with Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro as Sabalenka eyes a historic feat last achieved by Martina Hingis in 1999. Will the \"Threepeat Era\" begin? 
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