Sabalenka starts bid for third straight Australian Open title with win over Stephens

World No 1 beats Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2 in first round Sabalenka looking to match Hingis's Melbourne hat-trick As Aryna Sabalenka strode down the tunnel inside Rod Laver Arena that leads players straight to the court, the cameras momentarily captured a perfect shot. The pathway to Melbourne Park's premier court is filled with large, rectangular plaques emblazoned with the names of former champions and the dates of their triumphs. For a second, Sabalenka stood perfectly next to the sign that me...