Winning the first title of one’s career is tough. But being plagued by the ‘curse of the seconds’, to defend it the second time is much more challenging. Aryna Sabalenka not only managed to defend her Australian Open title on Saturday but also did it in style. Sabalenka didn’t drop a set en route to the AO 2024 title. Winning the ‘Happy Slam’ at the venue which always makes her happy, how can Aryna Sabalenka not be over the moon?

She has now won two career Grand Slam titles, both at the same venue. Eternally grateful to the land down under, the 25-year-old Belarusian tennis beauty thanked her Aussie fans and also called Australia her second home.

Aryna Sabalenka chiming the famous Australian chant

Aryna Sabalenka thrashed China’s Qinwen Zheng by 6-3,6-2 in just 76 minutes at the finals of the Australian Open. After this win, she has been celebrating her victory with her fans, families, and friends. After the match, Sabalenka said she was feeling the pressure over the last two weeks but now she’s walking on cloud nine after winning her second Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup at the Rod Laver Arena. Sabalenka then went on to thank the crowd for their constant support and added she couldn’t wait to come back.

Reflecting her love for Australia she tweeted, “OMG, What just happened??? Just wanna say thank you so much for all the support!!! Thank you for all kind messages I’ve received lately… love you all !!! From now on Australia is my second home, love you !!!” The Belarusian beauty ended the X post with the cheer of Oz, “Aussie Aussie Aussie- Oiiii Oiiii Oiii.“

Sabalenka celebrated her back-to-back wins at the ‘Happy Slam’ in an energetic style on Saturday. Dancing off the court with Eurosport pundit Barbara Schett-Eagle on Saturday, the celebration was still on the next day. Sabalenka was spotted with her trophy at the Carlton Gardens.

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Be it the food or the people, Sabalenka adores Melbourne

Aryna Sabalenka was seen in a mid-length white dress posing with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup and spraying champagne outside the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens on Sunday. How did she celebrate her victory? “I had just a little drink, a little sweet, we’ve been dancing, having fun, that’s how we celebrate,” Aryna Sabalenka.

She has fallen in love with the city of Melbourne. Sabalenka added, “There’s a lot of things to love about Melbourne,” she said. “I love the crowd, the people, the way they support me, that’s something unbelievable, and it’s so enjoyable to play in front of all of them – I think that’s the best thing about Melbourne and that’s why I think I play really well here. I love that there’s a lot of parks, it’s beautiful nature, a lot of great restaurants, great coffee.”

How do you rate Sabalenka’s performance in this year’s Australian Open? Was it better than her previous triumph? Share your thoughts in the comment box.

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