Australian Open 2025: Sabalenka slams Stephens in fast start to Australian Open defence
Australian Open 2025: Sabalenka slams Stephens in fast start to Australian Open defence
Aryna Sabalenka began her Australian Open title defence with a display of power hitting to crush American Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2 on Sunday.
It was by no means peak Sabalenka, with the World No. 1 getting broken twice by her opponent in a wayward first set in the evening clash at Rod Laver Arena.
The Belarusian steadied with the help of her pulverising forehand, though, to claim her 15th successive win at hard court Grand Slams in one hour and 11 minutes.
She will next play Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro for a place in the third round.
