World No.1 and defending Champion Aryna Sabalenka decided to recreate one of her viral TikTok dances on Sunday, January 12 after she won the first round match against Sloanne Stephens in Melbourne. The fans in attendance decided to join in with Sabalenka in an incredible moment.
Aryna Sabalenka faced an early challenge in her opening match despite a strong start. The World No. 1 surged to a commanding 4-0 lead, appearing poised for a straightforward victory. However, a string of unforced errors allowed Sloane Stephens to stage a comeback, breaking Sabalenka’s serve twice to narrow the gap to 4-3.
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Frustrated but determined, Sabalenka switched racquets and recalibrated her approach. Adopting a more aggressive style, she generated multiple break opportunities, eventually capitalizing on her fifth break point to regain control. She closed out the set in 38 minutes, reasserting her dominance in the contest and winning the match 6-3, 6-2.
After the match was done, Sabalenka was asked during the post-match interview to recreate one of her famous dances. The World No.1 said she would do it only if the crowd joined in. The fans would oblige to produce the great moment.
Feels like home
Speaking after the match, Sabalenka expressed her love for the support she got from the crowd and said she wants to keep winning as long as she can get to feel the atmosphere.
“I think I just love the people, love the crowd. I love all the support I feel during basically every match I played there,” she said of Rod Laver Arena, the site of two of her three Grand Slam triumphs.
“It’s just an incredible feeling. I just want to keep winning as long as I can just to feel the atmosphere.”
Sabalenka admitted that playing in Melbourne does feel like home for her.
“It’s not like I played my best match, probably, but I was glad to close it out in straight sets,” the 26-year-old said.
“I love playing here, it feels like home.”
Sabalenka will face Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the second round.