Hitting the slopes with the BBA program

powerful hitter like Donna Vekic in the quarterfinals, Sabalenka relied heavily on forehand technique and defense to her advantage. Though this strategy worked with Vekic and Poland’s Magda Linette, Rybakina’s serve coupled with her agility and momentum from winning key matches would prove to be a challenge for Sabalenka in the championship draw.

Sabalenka dropped the first set for the first time in the Open 4-6 after Rybakina rained on four straight points in the final set point. Avenging her first set loss and several double faults, Sabalenka did not waver in the second set. The Belarusian went on a tear, sizing up a 3-1 lead. Compared to the first set, her serves were much more controlled.

With greater athleticism, stronger forehand and improved serves, Rybakina didn’t have an answer for Sabalenka who won the set 6-3. The resurgence by Sabalenka in the second set led to a decisive third set that would determine the next champion.

Both players fired on all cylinders in a hotly contested draw. The set points remained tied until Sabalenka gave the first break of the match 4-3. After Sabalenka won one more point 5-3, Rybakina responded with a wide forehand to make the contest 4-5.

Rybakina’s hopes of a comeback were shattered by the end of the third set after she hit a forehand long beyond the baseline, making the final score 6-4. Sabalenka immediately collapsed to the ground with her hands cover- ing her face and began sobbing as the crowd cheered. This was Sabalenka’s first Grand Slam title.

As she received the 2023 Australian Open Trophy, Belarus was not engraved as the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) voted to prohibit Russian and Belarussian players from competing for their countries unless they played for a neutral team. Her victory marks the first one for the neutral team since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. After the match, Sabalenka’s rank returned to no. 2 as she remained undefeated in her 2023 campaign.

— Contact Clement Lee at clement.lee@emory.edu