Aryna Sabalenka wins thrilling Australian Open to claim first Grand Slam singles title

The 2023 Australian Open was won by Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, defeating Elena Rybakina in three sets (4-6, 6-3, 6-4) to claim her first career major singles title. 

It was also a noteworthy win for Sabalenka as she became the first player to competing under a neutral flag to win a Grand Slam championship.

Tournament organizers required all Russian and Belarusian players to compete as neutrals given the ongoing war in Ukraine. 

Sabalenka was able to get the win on Saturday by overcoming an extremely slow start that her pile up several double faults in the opening set. But once she was able to get settled she stormed back for the title.

Her win continues what has been a dominant early season run for the 24-year-old, who has now won 11 consecutive matches. 

In this particular tournament she had not lost a single set until the semifinals.

While Sabalenka has won a couple of doubles Grand Slam championships in her career, including the 2021 Australian Open doubles, this was her first Grand Slam Final after previously reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2021 and each of the past two U.S. Open semifinals. 

She entered Saturday as the No. 5 ranked women's player.