• Aryna Sabalenka started her title defense at the Australian Open with a straight-set victory over Sloane Stephens.
• The world number one aims to become the first woman since 1999 to win three consecutive Australian Open titles.
• After the match, Sabalenka celebrated with a dance on the court, entertaining the crowd.
• Sabalenka is currently on a 17-match winning streak at the Australian Open.
• She will face Jéssica Bouzas Maneiro in the next round.

Aryna Sabalenka commenced her campaign to defend her Australian Open title with an impressive straight-set win over American competitor Sloane Stephens, culminating in a score of 6-3, 6-2. The BBC reported that Sabalenka, who currently holds the world number one ranking, is seeking to become the first woman since Martina Hingis in 1999 to secure three consecutive titles at this prestigious tournament.

The match took place at the iconic Rod Laver Arena, where Sabalenka's dominant start had spectators anticipating an easy win. The Belarusian raced to a quick 4-0 lead in the first set, demonstrating her formidable power which left Stephens struggling to respond. However, in a twist of momentum, Stephens showcased her former champion caliber, breaking back and bringing the set to a nail-biting 4-3, as noted by CNN.

Despite the ups and downs in the match, Sabalenka regained control and closed out the first set before solidifying her performance in the second, ending any hopes of a comeback from Stephens. "It was a tough match...but I’m glad that I managed to close this match in straight sets," Sabalenka reflected post-match. The 26-year-old showcased her growing popularity by engaging the crowd in a dance during her on-court interview, further enhancing her status as a fan favorite.

Looking ahead, Sabalenka is set to face Spain's Jéssica Bouzas Maneiro in the next round, as she seeks to extend her remarkable winning streak, which includes an impressive record of 28 wins out of her last 29 matches on hard courts since the beginning of 2023.

As Sabalenka continues on her quest for a historic 'three-peat', her journey in Melbourne remains one to watch closely for tennis fans worldwide.