Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus made history on Saturday, winning the thrilling women’s Australian Open final against Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan. Sabalenka, the world number nine, defeated Rybakina 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a match that lasted two hours and forty-six minutes.

The match was not without controversy, however, as Victoria Azarenka of Belarus was asked to remove her shirt before her semifinal match against Sabalenka. Azarenka refused, citing a lack of consistency in the tournament’s dress code policy.

In the final, Sabalenka was able to hold off a late surge from Rybakina to win the match and the title. She is the first Belarusian to win a Grand Slam singles title.

“I’m so happy to have won this match,” said Sabalenka. “It was a tough battle, but I’m glad I was able to come out on top.”

The victory was met with joy and celebration from fans around the world, as Sabalenka’s win marks a major milestone in women’s tennis.

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