“I love you so much, you’re my biggest motivation”: Aryna Sabalenka dedicates second Australian Open triumph to family after achieving fathers’ dying wish

Aryna Sabalenka dismissed Qinwen Zheng to become only the second player to win the Australian Open without dropping a set in a 6-3, 6-2 win over the Chinese star which saw her collect back-to-back Australian Open triumphs and also fulfil a heartfelt ambition.

Sabalenka who won her first Grand Slam a year ago against Elena Rybakina stated her ambition before her dad passed to make him proud and collect two Grand Slam titles by the time she turns 26 and she has fulfilled that. One of the most charismatic personalities on the WTA tour, she was left merely to joke about her team with Jason Stacy again spotted with a signed head after that became a tradition and ritual during the tournament.

The Queen of Melbourne returns to her throne and will aim for three in a row next season as she proves she is very much here to stay at the top table of women’s tennis.

"It's been an amazing couple of weeks. I couldn't imagine myself lifting this trophy one more time. It's an unbelievable feeling.

"As always my speech is going to be weird. Team, wow. Thank you so much for being by my side no matter what. I mean, without me you wouldn't be that good as well.

"I never speak about my family in these speeches but I have to say thank you for everything they've done for me. I love you so much, you're my biggest motivation. I can't wait to come back."