Women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka was keen to cement herself as one of the emerging greats on Saturday night. But her ascent was thwarted by Kazakhstani (and former Russian) Elena Rybakina in a see-sawing three-setter.
But tennis wasn’t the main order of the day for most of those watching at the Australian Open women’s final. That was networking, as the AO retained its status as the country’s premier sporting event for corporate schmoozing.
Zoe Samios covers wagering and the business of sport from the AFR's Sydney newsroom. She was previously the media and telecommunications reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, and covered media at The Australian. Connect with Zoe on Twitter. Email Zoe at zoe.samios@afr.com