Aryna Sabalenka had extra pressure as well as motivation ten World No. 1 star was playing her Australian Open opener in front of tennis legends Rod Laver and Roger Federer. The Belarusian overcame the tricky star to defeat wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah with a score of 6-4, 6-1.
Meanwhile, six-time Australian Open champion Federer and three-time winner Laver, both in attendance in the front row to watch the World No. 1 WTA player on Sunday.
No. 1 Sabalenka fangirls Federer & Laver after tricky AUS Open opener
Sabalenka couldn't hold her excitement after she saw Rod Laver and Roger Federer in the crowd and immediately expressed her desire for a selfie with the two legends. The top-seeded star said:
“I’m a huge fan guys, can I take a picture with you?”
She further said:
"There was definitely a lot of pressure... I got a little bit tight, I wanted to show great tennis so you guys enjoy watching me play."
Sabalenka continued:
"What a privilege. Thank you so much, I really hope you guys enjoyed at least a little bit."
Meanwhile, Sabakenka is a hot favourite to win the tournament, was a break down after the opening game. Additionally, she found herself troubled by the opponent before she regained her composure.
Sabalenka is all set to face Zhuoxuan Bai in the next round of the ongoing Grand Slam championship. The 27-year-old has won the trophy at Melbourne Park twice and is on a bid to win her third. Her Australian Open titles came back-to-back in 2023 and 2024.
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