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ARYNA Sabalenka bludgeoned her way to a maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over Kazakh 22nd seed Elena Rybakina yesterday in a thrilling final between two of the most exciting power-hitters in the women’s game.
Sabalenka’s 11th straight win of the year will propel the Belorussian back to her career-high ranking of number two behind Iga Swiatek as she reaps the rewards of her improved mental stability.
With Russian and Belorussian players only allowed to compete as individual athletes without national affiliation at Melbourne Park due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, fifth seed Sabalenka also becomes the first neutral athlete to win a major.
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