“I feel all of the support here, so I’m just super excited,” said Aryna Sabalenka, exuding confidence ahead of the Australian Open. With two consecutive championships already in the bag, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Belarusian powerhouse. But hey, what’s a Grand Slam without some high-octane drama and nail-biting clashes? Stepping up to challenge the reigning World No. 1 is none other than the electrifying Sloane Stephens. The big question looms—can Stephens pull off the upset of the season and outclass Sabalenka in the first round?

Aryna Sabalenka vs Sloane Stephens: Preview

Aryna Sabalenka is fresh off a remarkable season last year. She did not just win two Grand Slams, but also dethroned Iga Swiatek as the World No. 1, proving her dominance on the courts. Entering the new season, the Belarusian star managed to carry forward her momentum in Brisbane, where she clinched the title. Her latest match came against Polina Kudermetova in the finals of Brisbane Internation, which she won in three sets 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Notably, she did not drop a single set throughout the tournament, except for the finals, which further established her as one of the top contenders for the Australian Open title. 

Sloane Stephens, on the other hand, had a rocky season in 2024. Despite winning the title Open de Rouen, where she defeated Poland’s Magda Linette in the final by 6-1,2-6,6-2, Stephens could not establish her dominance. Her challenges have continued to trouble her this season as well, where she faced first-round exits in both the ASB Classic and the Hobart International. Stephens’ latest match came against compatriot Ann Li, which she lost in straight sets 7-5, 6-1 in Hobart. 

Sabalenka vs Stephens: Head-to-Head

The Belarusian star and her American counterpart have crossed paths 4 times on the WTA circuit. And guess what? Sabalenka has dominated the head-to-head tally throughout. 

• 2023 French Open R16: Sabalenka; 7-6(5), 6-4
• 2022 San Diego Open R16: Sabalenka; 1-6, 6-3, 6-2
• 2021 Montreal R32: Sabalenka; 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-4
• 2017 Fed Cup Round 4: Sabalenka; 6-3, 3-6, 6-4

Prediction: Sabalenka to win in straight sets

With the Australian Open title in sight for the third time, Aryna Sabalenka will be stepping onto the courts with all guns blazing on Sunday. The Belarusian sensation had a remarkable win-loss ratio last year of 56-14. Sabalenka has a clear edge over Sloane Stephens, who won 19 matches against her 22 defeats. Although the 31-year-old might be more experienced than Sabalenka on the tour, her latest performance has disappointed her fans, thereby putting her in the trailing spot in her first match in Melbourne.

If we take note of the playing styles, Aryna Sabalenka is more of a baseliner with a powerful, aggressive style of play. She is known for generating a lot of raw power, with her style based on two aspects: taking control of points and hitting winners. Besides, her dominance on the hard courts was well established last year, too, with the American swing speaking volumes about her potential on the surface. Now, with the Australian Open unfolding on the same surface, Sabalenka would look to continue her momentum from Brisbane and start her Grand Slam campaign on a dominating front.

As for Stephens, she, too, has a similar playing style to Sabalenka. Stephens likes to stay behind the baseline, rely on her athleticism to counter her opponents, and convert defense into offense. However, her all-court game faces a major challenge, and it is her serve. Last year, Stephens hit a total of 62 double faults against only 31 aces.  This can pose a serious challenge for her against Sabalenka, who can easily put a toll on her throughout the match. Overall, the match can be anticipated to be in Sabalenka’s favor, who will win it in straight sets. So, who has your support for the match?