Aryna Sabalenka hails Australian Open win as ‘the best day of my life’

Aryna Sabalenka described winning the Australian Open as the ‘best day of my life’ and conceded the victory was made even sweeter by her history of near-misses.

The Belarusian claimed the first Grand Slam title of her career after coming from a set down to beat Elena Rybakina 4-6 6-3 6-4 in a thrilling final at the Rod Laver Arena on Saturday night.

The world No5 was overcame with emotions on the court after serving out the match and admitted afterward she was struggling to process the enormity of her achievement.

I don’t know. It’s tough to explain what I’m feeling right now,’ she told reporters in her post-match press conference.

‘I’m just super happy. Super happy. Proud. I don’t know how to explain. Just the best – It is the best day of my life right now.’ 

A year ago, Sabalenka made a fourth-round exit at Melbourne Park and was forced to remodelled her service action after serving 56 double faults. 

She also worked hard to adopt a calmer approach after often appearing to allow her emotions halt her progress and dropped her sports psychologist ahead of the season.

The Belarusian beat Elena Rybakina (right) 4-6 6-3 6-4 in a thrilling final in Melbourne

Sabalenka said she’s had to learn how to cope with emotions on the court after struggling to keep her feelings in check in the past 

‘I learned that I have to be a little bit calmer on court and I don’t have to rush things,’ the Australian Open champion explained. 

‘I just have to play my game, be calm, and believe in myself, that I can actually get it. 

‘I think during these two weeks I really was super calm on court, and I really believed in myself a lot, that my game will give me a lot of opportunities in each game to win this title.’

A three-time semi-finalist in a Grand Slam tournament, success on the biggest stage had eluded Sabalenka until Saturday and the trend was set to continue after Rybakina took the opening set – the first time Sabalenka lost a set in 2023.

But the Belarusian fought back and felt her triumph was even more special because of the hurdles she’s had to overcome.

‘I think it’s even more enjoyable, I would say, after all those tough matches,’ she said.

‘I really feel right now that I needed those tough losses to kind of understand myself a little bit better. It was like a preparation for me.

‘I actually feel happy that I lost those matches, so right now I can be a different player and just a different Aryna.’