Image: Wikimedia Commons
Melbourne: Belarusian-born Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina in the final clash to lift the Australian Open Women's singles title here on Saturday.
Sabalenka beat her opponent by 4-6 6-3 6-4 in a three-set clash.
She became the first player to represent a neutral flag to win the match.
Interestingly, Australian Open organizer Tennis Australia required Russian and Belarusian players to compete as neutrals amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Despite being defeated in the first set, Aryna Sabalenka came from behind to win the clash.