Aryna Sabalenka made a head start in her quest to a third consecutive title at the Australian Open 2025 by clinching a 6-3 6-2 win over US Open champion Sloane Stephens on a wet opening day of the main round in Melbourne.
The top-seed stormed to a 4-0 lead over Stephens in the first set at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday though her opponent clawed back to 4-3. However, the Belarusian, regained composure to clinch the first set.
She will take on Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro for a place in the third round in her bid to become the first woman to pull off the Australian Open threepeat since Martina Hingis (1997-99).
“I’m super happy to be back, I love this place,” Sabalenka told the Rod Laver Arena crowd after 71 minutes on court.
“It was a tough match – always tough matches against her. It’s not like I played my best probably, but I’m happy I was able to close this match in straight sets. Melbourne Park feels like home.”
Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev, broke no sweat to clinch a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Frenchman Lucas Pouille.
It is no secret that the two-time runner up eyes to lift his maiden majors title at the Australian Open.
He won 80 per cent of his serves in the first round.
“He’s someone that when healthy, he’s somebody definitely not at the ranking that he is,” said Zverev in his on-court interview. “He’s been in the semifinals here before.
“He’s definitely a great player. I wish him health, first of all, and he’s going to be back up the rankings soon.”
He will take on Spain’s Pedro Martinez in round two.