Aryna Sabalenka gets Australian Open crowd dancing after beating Sloane Stephens in first round
Aryna Sabalenka led the Australian Open crowd in a victory dance after beating Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of the competition on Sunday.
The world No 1 is targeting a third straight triumph Down Under, having previously secured glory in 2023 and 2024.
Sabalenka was impressive against Stephens, with the 26-year-old dropping just five games as she cruised through.
And she was in good spirits on the court after her triumph.
When asked about her tradition of posting a pre-tournament dance routine with her backroom team on social media, she responded by saying: “I’m not the best dancer, but I try my best.”
Jelena Dokic then told Sabalenka: “You always dance, but there’s no one in the crowd.”
The Belarusian star then led the Rod Laver Crowd in a victory dance, with Sabalenka smiling as she showed off her moves.
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There is a first for everything 🤣
Aryna Sabalenka and the Rod Laver Crowd do an on court TikTok 💃
#AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/kNtQSVyFLU— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 12, 2025
Sabalenka was backed by the majority of the crowd during the contest.
She thanked those in attendance by saying: “Thank you guys. I’m super happy to be back.
“I love this place and we have a full stadium, I mean I couldn’t dream for more.
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“Thank you so much for coming and supporting us. I really enjoy playing in front of you every time.”
Despite dropping just five games, Sabalenka also expressed a belief that she didn’t play her best match – in comments that will undoubtedly serve as a warning to her Grand Slam rivals.
“It was a tough match. They are always tough matches against her. I don’t feel like I played my best probably but I’m glad that I managed to close this match in straight sets,” she added.
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While it was a good performance from Sabalenka, Stephens struggled to cope against her rival.
And former world No 1 Daniela Hantuchova, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, admitted she was surprised by the American’s approach as she crashed to defeat.
“Stephens did what she could here really, except for those first three games in the first set, but it has been a very confident performance from Sabalenka,” she remarked.
“I was a little bit surprised with Stephens’ approach in the first few games.
“You haven’t won a match in a long time, you are playing the number one in the world, at least show a lot of energy in-between the points and try to make the match physical, if nothing else.”
Sabalenka will face Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the second round, with that clash set to take place on Wednesday.