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 admitted that victory was made all the sweeter by her record 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 Rod Laver Arena on Saturday night.

The world number 5 was filled with emotions on the pitch after taking the match and admitted that she was struggling to process the enormity of her achievement.

Aryna Sabalenka won the Australian Open on Saturday at Rod Laver Arena

I dont know. It’s hard to explain what I’m feeling right now,” he told reporters at his post-match press conference.

‘I’m super happy. super happy. Proud. I do not know how to explain. Simply the best: It’s the best day of my life right now.

A year ago, Sabalenka went out in the fourth round at Melbourne Park and was forced to reshuffle her serve action after committing 56 double faults.

He also worked hard to adopt a calmer approach after often seeming to let his emotions stall his progress and he left his sports psychologist before the season.

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

Sabalenka said she had to learn to deal with emotions on the court after struggling to control her feelings in the past.

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

“I just have to play my game, stay calm and believe in myself, that I can really do it.”

“I think during these two weeks I was really super calm on the court, and I really believed a lot in myself, that my game will give me a lot of chances every game to win this title.”

A three-time semifinalist at a Grand Slam tournament, success on the biggest stage had eluded Sabalenka until Saturday and the trend would continue after Rybakina took the first set, the first time Sabalenka had dropped a set in 2023.

But the Belarusian fought back and felt her win was made all the more special because of the obstacles she had to overcome.

“I think it’s even more enjoyable, I would say, after all those tough games,” he said.

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

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