Aryna Sabalenka made a point of thanking the fans who remained to watch her beat first-time qualifier Ella Seidel 6-0,6-1 in the early hours of Monday morning.
The reigning women’s champion was gracious and playful despite the 10,000 or so fans who remained to watch her match,played just before midnight after were cheering for Seidel and trying to will her to the most unlikely or comebacks.
“It feels so good to be back,” Sabalenka said post match.
“I know you were cheering for her but thanks so much for staying back late. It’s really important to us.”
“They were cheering for you too,” replied Jelena Dokic.
Sabalenka added she still had lots of goals to tick off in tennis despite winning last year’s Australian Open and she wanted to win another win this year.
“I have missed you all so much so hopefully I can stay here until the very,very last day,” Sabalenka said.