The world number one and back-to-back champion in Melbourne defeated American Sloane Stephens 6-3 6-2 in the first round on Rod Laver Arena to begin her title defence with a straight victory.
The Belarusian finished 2024 as the year-end world number one for the first time and, beginning her campaign in Australia as two-time defending champion and top seed, looked in fine form.
She said after the win: I’m super happy to be back. I love this place and we have a full stadium, I couldn’t dream for more,” said Sabalenka, who overcame a wobble in the opening set to take victory.
“I don’t feel like I played my best probably but I’m glad that I managed to close this in straight sets. “It definitely feels like home.”
Sabalenka has now won 28 of her last 29 matches in hard-court Slams since the start of 2023, including 15 consecutive matches at the Australian Open.
She has also won 17 consecutive sets at Melbourne Park and is the heavy favourite for the women’s title.
Sabalenka, 26, is aiming to become just the seventh player to claim a third straight Australian Open women’s singles title, and the first since Martina Hingis in 1999.
