Aryna Sabalenka triumphs over Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah in Australian Open first round
Aryna Sabalenka secured a decisive 6-4, 6-1 victory against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah in the first round of the Australian Open, showcasing her prowess on the court, reports BritPanorama.
Despite a strong start from Rakotomanga Rajaonah, who broke Sabalenka’s serve early on, the world number one quickly regained control. Sabalenka overcame the early setback, dominating the latter part of the match with her powerful groundstrokes and strategic net play, ultimately ensuring her progression to the second round.
In her post-match interview, Sabalenka reflected on the nerves she felt during the match, particularly with tennis legends Roger Federer and Rod Laver watching from the stands. She expressed a desire to impress them, stating, “I got a little bit tight, I wanted to show great tennis so you guys enjoy watching me play. But, oh my god, what a privilege.”
During the exchange with interviewer Jelena Djokic, the possibility of Sabalenka becoming the first player since Martina Hingis to reach four consecutive finals in Melbourne was raised. With a smile, she playfully questioned Federer, “Did you do it?” The Swiss icon responded with laughter, seemingly caught off guard.
Sabalenka’s post-match excitement extended beyond her victory; she requested a photograph with Federer and Laver, describing both as her “huge fan” idols. After the match, she successfully captured a notable selfie with both legends, which further highlighted her star-studded surroundings.
Throughout the match, the intensity of playing in front of such renowned spectators weighed heavily on Sabalenka, who noted, “Definitely a lot of pressure.” This match was not just another tournament step for her; it served as an opportunity to display her skills before some of the sport’s most iconic figures.
Having previously claimed back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2023 and 2024, Sabalenka is aiming for a third championship. Her path to the title becomes increasingly challenging, especially considering Novak Djokovic’s impressive record of three consecutive finals. However, the world number one is eager to push for a remarkable feat, saying, “I just wanted to impress Roger with my game.” The tactical approach she adopted, including venturing to the net frequently, reflected her intent to put on a show.
As the tournament progresses, Sabalenka’s pursuit of excellence is emblematic of how high the stakes are at this level. The presence of legends may inspire a wave of nostalgia, but for players like Sabalenka, it also drives ambition and a desire to create their own legacies.
