World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka went outdoors less than 24 hours after successfully defending her Australian Open title.
The 25-year-old Belarussian gamely posed for pictures as she visited Carlton Gardens in Melbourne on Sunday. Sabalenka wore a cream-colored white dress as part of her trophy tour.
Fans also saw the shiny Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, which Sabalenka proudly held after claiming her second straight Australian Open title. The Belarussian defeated Zheng Qinwen of China, 6-3, 6-2, at Rod Laver Arena in Saturday’s final.
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Sablenka acknowledged her team of coaches in helping her stay fit throughout the two-week tournament.
“I think it’s all about having fun and enjoying the process,” the back-to-back champion said. “We always doing a lot of crazy stuff with the team.”
Aside from Carlton Gardens, Sabalenka posed in front of the Hochgurtel Fountain. The historic fountain was constructed in 1880.
The victory makes Sabalenka the first woman to win two straight Australian Open titles since Victoria Azarenka in 2012-13.
“It’s been a long journey…I just said it like I’m going to retire after today. But no, too early,” the No.2 seed said. “Can still do something else.”
