Tennis-Belarusian Sabalenka crowned first 'neutral' Grand Slam champion

Tennis - Australian Open - Women's Singles Final - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 28, 2023 Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka with her trophy during the press conference after winning her final match against Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina REUTERS/Loren Elliott

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - With daring, resolve and a thunderous forehand, Aryna Sabalenka rose above geopolitical tumult to become the first player to claim a Grand Slam title as a neutral at the Australian Open.

The big-hitting Belarusian overhauled Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina 4-6 6-3 6-4 in the final at Rod Laver Arena on Saturday while barred from representing the eastern European nation.