Sabalenka played aggressively, playing double Wimbledon champion Kvitova after, among other things, seven serveesses and 21 winning strokes in 75 minutes.

When the next ranking is released on Monday, Sabalenka will be in eleventh place. She dedicated the victory to her deceased father Sergei who, after a week in hospital, passed away in November at just 43 years old.

- I lost my dad during the break. He was my great inspiration. I won for him, says the 21-year-old according to Reuters.

Dad's dream was that her daughter would be number one

It was the hockey dad who introduced Aryna to tennis when she was six years old. They randomly drove around in the car.

- On the way he saw some tennis courts and he took me to them. I liked it and how it all worked. That's how it started, says Sabalenka according to Essentially Sports.

- I keep fighting and playing for him. He wanted me to be number one and that's what helps me to be strong, ”she says.