In a remarkable display of consistency and control, Aryna Sabalenka has successfully defended her Australian Open title by defeating Zheng Qinwen in a one-sided women's final. The victory cements Sabalenka's status as one of the game's elite players, proving that she is not a one-hit wonder.

Last year, Sabalenka clinched her first Grand Slam crown in Australia, which gave her the confidence to believe she could achieve it again. However, her loss in the U.S. Open final last September provided her with extra motivation to prove herself on the grandest stage once more.

Throughout the tournament, Sabalenka showcased her determination and resilience. Despite struggling with her serve earlier in 2022, she relied on it to break down her opponents, demonstrating significant improvement. In the final, she didn't serve a single double-fault and did not face a break point.

The 25-year-old from Belarus set the tone early in each set with her powerful forehands and secured early service breaks against the 21-year-old debutant Zheng. The match unfolded in stark contrast to Sabalenka's comeback victory over Elena Rybakina in last year's final, emphasizing her growth as a player.

Reflecting on her journey over the past 13 months, Sabalenka acknowledged the tough moments, particularly her loss in the U.S. Open final, as vital sources of motivation. This motivation, coupled with her increased confidence and self-belief, propelled her to another remarkable victory.

Sabalenka's triumph makes her the first woman since Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013 to win back-to-back Australian Open titles. In addition, she joins a select group of champions, including Serena Williams, who have won the championship without dropping a set.

The match was briefly interrupted by an activist yelling out during Zheng's serve in the second set. However, order was swiftly restored, and Sabalenka maintained her composure to close out the match. Despite missing a couple of championship points, she rallied to secure a well-deserved victory.

Sabalenka credited her support team for keeping her focused and ensuring she savored the moment. Her fitness trainer, Jason Stacy, played a significant role, with Sabalenka making it a ritual to slap and autograph Stacy's bald head before each match.

Although Zheng fell short in her bid for the title, her impressive run to the final marks her best performance in a major tournament to date. She expressed disappointment with her performance but vowed to learn from the loss, promising to return as a stronger player in the future.

Aryna Sabalenka's successful title defense at the Australian Open is a testament to her growth and determination. With her newfound consistency and controlled play, she has firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in women's tennis. As she basks in the glory of her second Grand Slam title, the tennis world eagerly awaits Sabalenka's next chapter of excellence on the court.