SABALENKA NOW EYES WIMBLEDON
ARYNA Sabalenka wants to return to Wimbledon this year – but the Australian Open champion was unsure whether her breakthrough grand slam would help clear the way for Russians and Belarusians to compete.
Every time Sabalenka has stepped on to a tennis court this year she has walked off a winner (11-0) and on Sunday she enjoyed a gondola boat ride through the botanical gardens with her silverware.
Sabalenka posed with a leg in the air – and that was reflective of her January as the Belarusian blitzed 10 opponents in straight sets before rising to beat Elena Rybakina 4-6 6-3 6-4 in Saturday night’s final.
But the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup will be engraved with Sabalenka’s name only after she played under a ‘neutral flag’ at this year’s tournament.
Rybakina, who was born in Moscow but switched to representing Kazakhstan in 2018, won Wimbledon last year with Russians and Belarusians such as Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka banned.
The WTA and ATP awarded no ranking points for Wimbledon last year in protest of the player bans and no decision has been made by The All England Lawn Tennis Club for 2023.
“I always love to play there and I’ll be happy to compete there again,” Sabalenka said on Sunday morning from the botanical gardens.
“I don’t know (if my victory will help us to return). Right now I cannot think about that, I’m just trying to enjoy the moment — and that’s it.”
Recent reports from England suggested a U-turn on the ban was likely, however it was then reported that last week’s ugly images of Russian supporters waving Vladimir Putin flags outside Rod Laver Arena could be cause another rethink.
Sabalenka got “a few hours’ sleep” after her $2.975 million lifechanging victory.
“I think I need a few more days to realise. I mean I still feel like I’m on another planet trying to understand what just happened,” the 24-year-old said.
“I like to pose, especially when you’re grand slam champion. I think it’s the best morning of my life, it’s so beautiful.
“It was funny night. Everyone was just too happy so some of us didn’t make it today, because it was too much last night.
“We celebrated with my team. A little bit of pizza, a little bit of sweets, a little bit of champagne. There was a little bit of everything last night.”
Sabalenka will enjoy one final fancy restaurant in Melbourne on Sunday before packing her bags – and booking an extra seat on the plane for her trophy.
Sabalenka was once so unheralded she was in disbelief when fans asked for autographs. Then, about 12 months ago she almost imploded on the back of her serving meltdown.