MELBOURNE – Aryna Sabalenka’s quest for her third straight Australian Open title got off to a victorious start on Sunday as world No. 1 defeated Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2 in the first round.

And then there was dancing.

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During her on-court interview with Jelena Dokic, Sabalenka was asked about her tradition of posting a pre-tournament dance routine with her team on social media.

“I’m not the best dancer, but I try my best,” the world No. 1 said with amusement after the viral video played at Rod Laver Arena.

“You’re always dancing, but there’s no one in the crowd,” emphasized Dokic. And with that, Sabalenka courageously accepted the challenge.

“You just did your cool down, so that was good. But I have to go to physio,” Dokic joked.

The reigning Australian Open and US Open champion, Sabalenka’s victory extended her winning streak in hardcourt majors to 15. Since the start of the 2023 season, Sabalenka has an outstanding record of 28-1 in hardcourt Slams, with her only loss coming in the final the US Open 2023 in three sets against Coco Gauff.

In the next two weeks in Melbourne, Sabalenka wants to be the first woman since Martina Hingis to win a threesome in Melbourne. The Swiss star led the table from 1997 to 1999.

Sabalenka, seeded No. 1 for the first time at a Grand Slam, is also aiming to become the first top seed to win the Australian Open women’s singles title since Ashleigh Barty sealed her home slam in 2022.

In a showdown between two Grand Slam winners, Sabalenka needed just seven minutes to build a 3-0 lead over Stephens. The 2017 US Open champion slowly fought her way back into the game and got back on serve at 4-3, but Sabalenka’s devastating return proved too much for the American’s serve. In the longest game of the match, Sabalenka broke through with her fourth break point and regained a lead that she never relinquished. She finished the match with 20 wins and broke Stephens five times with 13 break points.

Sabalenka is still a perfect 6-0 on the new season and will face Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the second round. On her debut in the main draw of the Australian Open, the 22-year-old Spaniard defeated Briton Sonay Kartal 6:1, 7:6(5).