SABALENKA SHOWS MENTAL TOUGHNESS

Top seed stays focused to win despite early wobble; rusty Zheng starts to find rhythm

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Aryna Sabalenka danced past Sloane Stephens to begin her quest for a third consecutive Australian Open crown on Jan 12, with Zheng Qinwen also winning as storms caused havoc on the first day of the Grand Slam.

Belarusian top seed Sabalenka had a first-set wobble but was otherwise in control against 2017 US Open champion Stephens, romping home 6-3, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.

The 26-year-old is aiming to become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-99) to win three consecutive titles at Melbourne Park. If she lifts the winner's Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup again, she will join a select group of Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Hingis as the only women to complete a three-peat.

"Always tough matches against her," said Sabalenka, who won the Brisbane International in the lead-up.

"I didn't play my best, but I'm glad I was able to close the match in two sets. And I love playing here, it feels like home."

The Belarusian did not have it all her own way against Stephens. She raced into a 4-0 lead before a series of unforced errors allowed the 31-year-old American to break back twice for 4-3.