By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Aryna Sabalenka launched her bid for a third successive Australian Open title with a storm of power hitting and a 6-3 6-2 demolition of former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens on Sunday.

Aryna Sabalenka has started her bid to become the first woman in a quarter-century to win three consecutive Australian Open titles with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over 2017 U.S. 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens 6-3,

The first round of the Australian Open men’s and women’s singles tournaments is underway in Melbourne after storms delayed play on the outside courts. Aryna Sabalenka took to the opening night session on Rod Laver Arena and defeated Sloane Stephens 6-2 6-3 to begin her title defence with a strong performance.