On January 25, Aryna Sabalenka could become only the sixth woman in the Open Era to win three straight Australian Open titles. Should she do so, the Belarusian will join Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis on a list that will go down in history as a very exclusive club.
Yet, things are not as easy for the two-time defending champion. She will have to win seven straight matches over the next two weeks, and will likely have to battle past the likes of World No. 2 Iga Swiatek and World No. 3 Coco Gauff on the way.
Sabalenka, thankfully, will not be short of confidence. The World No. 1 has arrived in Melbourne after a title run at the Brisbane International last week. Her form in hardcourt Grand Slams was perfect in 2024 as well, with a title win at the US Open as well.
More accomplished players than Sabalenka, however, have failed to get a Melbourne hat-trick. Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Naomi Osaka, Jennifer Capriati -- the list goes on. In fact, no one in the 21st century has managed to get the feat done.
Despite such a daunting task facing her, the World No. 1 is strangely calm. Speaking at her pre-tournament press conference on Friday, the 26-year-old admitted she was aware of what historical implications lay ahead of her at Melbourne Park this weekend.
At the same time, the three-time Major winner did not want to overthink about that and let nerves get to her, instead wanting to keep herself content with just 'doing her job.'
For the record, Graf did the hat trick in Australia between 1988-90, Seles between 1991-93 and Hingis between 1997-99. Meanwhile, Court won three-in-a-row between 1969-71 and Goolagong between 1974-76.
Published By: Ajayi Folashade Olufunmilayo.
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