January 15, 2025: In an action-packed day at the Australian Open, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka overcame a tough challenge to keep her title defense alive, while Paris Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen was knocked out in a stunning upset.
Sabalenka, who was facing 54th-ranked Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, triumphed with a 6-3, 7-5 victory on Rod Laver Arena. Despite trailing 5-2 in the second set, Sabalenka dug deep to secure five games in a row and eventually closed out the match in 1 hour 34 minutes. The win keeps her hopes of a third consecutive Australian Open title alive, and she remains the first woman to reach 16 consecutive Australian Open victories since Victoria Azarenka in 2014.
"I am really happy I was able to turn around that set," Sabalenka said after the match. "There are so many players who are playing really well in these conditions… Girls can go out there and just play without any fear. You have to fight, compete, and show your best."
In stark contrast, Zheng Qinwen, who was a strong title contender and came into the tournament ranked 5th, was stunned by German veteran Laura Siegemund. Siegemund defeated Zheng 7-6(3), 6-3 on John Cain Arena, ending Zheng's title bid in just over two hours. This loss marked a surprising upset, as Zheng had been expected to challenge for the top honors at the Australian Open. Siegemund’s win, which included firing return winners and passing shots with ease, is one of her most significant career victories, bringing her 11th Top 10 win.
"I wanted to show the variety of my game, be very aggressive, and that's what I did," said Siegemund, reflecting on her performance. The victory took Siegemund to the third round of the Australian Open for the second time in her career.
Sabalenka will now look to continue her momentum in the next round as she seeks to become the first woman to secure three consecutive Australian Open titles since Martina Hingis (1997-1999).
