Aryna Sabalenka is safely into the second round of the Australian Open as she looks to secure a third consecutive title.
Sabalenka has improved in her smash and first volley, which came to the fore during her Australian Open first round win over Sloane Stephens.
The WTA number one defeated the American 6-3, 6-2 in Melbourne, securing a second round match with Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
Sabalenka doesn’t have an easy Australian Open draw, and could face many tricky challenges en route to another Grand Slam trophy.
But she certainly hasn’t let that dampen her spirits in Australia, with Sabalenka having danced on court following her opening win.
Aryna Sabalenka hailed by tennis fans after dancing at Rod Laver Arena
The entire crowd at Rod Laver Arena were encouraged to join in with the Belarusian’s dancing tradition, with the WTA star reacting to the footage on X with the words: “Need to work on my dancing skills.”
But fans have instead focused on the joy she is bringing to tennis with her dancing, with one writing on X: “There’s a champion for you! Well done Aryna Sabalenka, you will have gained a few more fans with your dance. Great way to connect with your audience. Australian Open moves!”
A second fan hailed her, saying: “You are a treasure, Aryna, and such a joy! Never change! Good luck at AO! Pulling for you!”
A third concurred: “This was so funny Aryna Sabalenka – thanks for being such a real person out there and for always having fun! Let’s get that three-peat!”
READ MORE: Australian Open 2025: How to watch, prize money, dates and everything you need to know
And a fourth fan commented: “Born a dancing queen and happen to be also good at tennis. Well played today Champ!”
Further praise arrived from others, who said: “Legend,” “Dancing Queen” and “The champion dance will be better.”
Other fans did, however, joke that the dancing moves need to take a break, saying: “They need to stop asking you to dance maybe” and “At least you’re fab at tennis that’s the main thing.”
Aryna Sabalenka extends hard-court major streak to 15 wins with Australian Open win
Sabalenka clearly has confidence running through her veins at this moment in time, which is no surprise given her current form.
The world number one, who is the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion, is currently on a 15-match win streak at hard-court majors.
READ MORE: Aryna Sabalenka drops hint about when she may retire as she suggests when she wants to have children
She is now looking to become the first woman since Martina Hingis in 1999 to win three successive Australian Open titles, and the first top-seeded woman to win the event since Ashleigh Barty in 2022.
And it seems that fans may need to practise their dance moves as a deep Sabalenka run seems likely once more in Melbourne.
“I’m not the best dancer, but I try my best,” she told interviewer Jelena Dokic after her pre-tournament dance routine with her team was played on the big screen.
Dokic also deserves plenty of credit for getting the Rod Laver Arena on its feet to join in with Sabalenka, who has quickly become a fan favourite at the Australian Open, which should help motivate her further.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
