MELBOURNE, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus defended her title at the Australian Open after getting past China's rising star Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-2 in the women's singles final here on Saturday.
Despite her loss, 21-year-old Zheng became only the second Chinese player after two-time Grand Slam winner Li Na to reach the singles final in a Grand Slam tournament.
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus hits a return during the women's singles final against Zheng Qinwen of China at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Zheng Qinwen of China hits a return during the women's singles final against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus poses with her champion trophy during the awarding ceremony for the women's singles final at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Zheng Qinwen of China reacts during the women's singles final against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates scoring during the women's singles final against Zheng Qinwen of China at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus poses with her champion trophy during the awarding ceremony for the women's singles final at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Zheng Qinwen of China reacts during the women's singles final against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Zheng Qinwen of China hits a return during the women's singles final against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus serves during the women's singles final against Zheng Qinwen of China at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates with her team members after winning the women's singles final against Zheng Qinwen of China at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus hits a return during the women's singles final against Zheng Qinwen of China at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus kisses her champion trophy during the awarding ceremony for the women's singles final at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus holds her champion trophy during the awarding ceremony for the women's singles final at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus hits a return during the women's singles final against Zheng Qinwen of China at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Aryna Sabalenka ® of Belarus and Zheng Qinwen of China pose for photos during the awarding ceremony for the women's singles final at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Zheng Qinwen of China hits a return during the women's singles final against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
This photo taken on Jan. 27, 2024 shows the women's singles final between Zheng Qinwen of China and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Zheng Qinwen of China hits a return during the women's singles final against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus hits a return during the women's singles final against Zheng Qinwen of China at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus hits a return during the women's singles final against Zheng Qinwen of China at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)