Aryna Sabalenka has won a second Grand Slam title of her career by beating Qinwen Zheng in the final of the Australian Open on Saturday morning.
The 25-year-old had gone into the contest as the favourite, particularly given her sensational victory over Coco Gauff in the semi-finals earlier this week.
And Sabalenka produced a tennis masterclass to win at the Rod Laver Arena and add another major to her growing collection.
The Belarusian was too strong for her rival early on and won the first three games of the match with minimum fuss.
Aryna Sabalenka was emotional after powering her way to another Australian Open triumph
Zheng eventually managed to get onto the scoreboard and even managed to save three set points at 5-2 down.
But Sabalenka wasn't going to be denied the first set and eventually took it 6-3 to give her a platform to build on.
Zheng was clearly left reeling by the brilliance of her opponent.
And she endured a horrendous start to the second set, double-faulting three times as the pressure started to take its toll.
Sabalenka won the opening game of the second set as a result of her opponent gifting her the points.
From that moment on, there was only ever going to be one winner.
Zheng was appearing in her first Grand Slam final after a spirited campaign Down Under.
However, her lack of experience on the big stage was evident with Sabalenka superior in every department.
Zheng was, to her credit, able to avoid going 3-0 down after Sabalenka pushed her all the way in the third game of the second set.
However, her rival extended her lead to go 3-1 up and edge closer to victory in the process.
A beautiful drop shot then moved Sabalenka to the brink of becoming the first woman since compatriot Victoria Azarenka to defend the title.
Zheng was able to save four championship points as she faced defeat, playing some of her best tennis of the match.
But Sabalenka eventually got the job done and was visibly emotional after conquering the tournament for the second time.
It will be a moment to savour for the tennis star.
For Zheng, however, it'll be a case of licking her wounds and going again when the French Open commences later in the year.
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Aryna Sabalenka produced a tennis masterclass to claim Australian Open glory and a second Grand Slam title of her career
GETTY
Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash was impressed by Sabalenka's performance as she powered her way to victory.
And he described the Australian Open champion's performance as 'absolutely flawless'.
"That is as present as it gets. Sabalenka came out aggressive," he said.
"She knew she had the pace to upset Zheng, for a first time in a Grand Slam final.
"Zheng hadn't seen anything like this considering she hadn't played a top 50 player all the way through.
Qinwen Zheng was unable to cope with Aryna Sabalenka during their Australian Open final clash on Saturday morning
GETTY
"Sabalenka was absolutely flawless."
Sabalenka will now become the world No 7 as a result of her magnificent achievement Down Under.
And it'll be intriguing to see how her tennis career plays out now she's got another taste of winning on the big stage.
