Aryna Sabalenka Makes History by Becoming First Player Competing Under Neutral Flag to Win Grand Slam Title

Aryna Sabalenka made history on Saturday, becoming the first player competing under a neutral flag to win a Grand Slam title. The Belarusian-born fifth seed overcame a nervous start to defeat Elena Rybakina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the Australian Open women’s final.

Sabalenka made five double faults in the opening set and was outplayed by the reigning Wimbledon champion. However, she managed to turn the match around in the second and third sets, breaking Rybakina’s serve three times and ultimately paving the way for her success.

The match came to a thrilling conclusion when Sabalenka broke Rybakina’s serve in the seventh game of the third set, giving her a 4-3 lead that she never relinquished. She then had to work for the championship, double-faulting on her initial match point and requiring three more before finally securing the win.

The victory improved Sabalenka’s record to 11-0 in 2023, and the only set she has dropped all season was the opener on Saturday. She is now the first player competing under a neutral flag to win a Grand Slam title.