Sabalenka celebrates at Carlton Gardens

Aryna Sabalenka, the 25-year-old tennis dynamo, is not just a force on the court; she's also a maestro when it comes to celebrating victories. Fresh off her Australian Open 2024 women's singles championship win, Sabalenka shared glimpses of her post-triumph celebration, offering fans a delightful insight into the joyous moments that followed her Grand Slam success.

In the glow of her achievement, Sabalenka, dressed in a mid-length white dress, stood proudly outside the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens, trophy in hand, ready to savor the sweet taste of victory. A beaming Sabalenka recounted the festivities, saying, "I had just a little drink, a little sweet, we’ve been dancing, having fun, that’s how we celebrate." Her infectious smile revealed not just the satisfaction of a win but the genuine enjoyment of the celebratory moments with her team.

Sabalenka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, playfully admitted that the post-victory dance was her idea. "Of course, it was my idea," she grinned, hinting at the playful camaraderie within her team. She expressed her hope that this celebratory tradition brings good luck, emphasizing that they started and concluded the tournament with a dance. The ritual seems to be a testament to the team spirit that fuels Sabalenka's success.

Reflecting on her fondness for Melbourne, Sabalenka praised the crowd and the unwavering support she receives from the Australian fans. "I love the crowd, the people, the way they support me, that’s something unbelievable, and it’s so enjoyable to play in front of all of them – I think that’s the best thing about Melbourne, and that’s why I think I play really well here," she shared. Beyond the tennis court, Sabalenka expressed her love for the city's parks, beautiful nature, great restaurants, and excellent coffee – a testament to her appreciation for the Australian way of life.

Despite not dropping a set en route to her Australian Open 2024 title, Sabalenka acknowledged that defending her crown was no easy feat. Drawing a comparison to her first major win at Melbourne Park last year, she noted, "The first one was the hardest one, it’s more emotional, playing the first final was really emotional for me, it was [a] really tough battle."

The Belarusian tennis star credited a shift in mentality and approach for making the challenges more manageable. "These couple of weeks have been a bit of pressure for me, but since last year I kind of changed my mentality and my approach to tennis," she explained. Balancing intense focus on the court with moments of light-hearted joy off it seems to be Sabalenka winning formula.

With a victorious smile, Sabalenka admitted she's still processing the fact that she successfully defended her Australian Open title. "After that match point, I felt relieved, and it’s like, it’s time to breathe normal and take a step back, understand what just happened, rest a little bit and move on," she shared.

Looking ahead, Sabalenka sees her recent Australian Open triumph as a catalyst for greater success in the 2024 season. "It’s definitely something incredible, it definitely gives me much more belief I can do well in the Grand Slams, and it gives me this boost of energy for the rest of the season," she expressed. Eager to add more majors to her collection and reclaim the world No.1 ranking, Sabalenka remains focused and enthusiastic about her tennis journey.

As she wraps up the celebration and returns to the grind, one thing is clear – Aryna Sabalenka not only loves playing tennis but truly enjoys doing her job. Her infectious energy, both on and off the court, continues to captivate fans, making her a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis.