Defending champion baffles Australian Open fans by causing a stir on live television after securing her passage to the second round
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Defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka booked her passage to the second round of the tournament on Sunday night sealing a straight-sets victory against former US Open Champion Sloane Stephens. But there was a bizarre moment after the match where the 2024 Australian Open champion was dared to do a dance by presenter Jelena Dokic.
![[It came after the defending champion (left) beat Sloane Stephens (right) in their opening-round clash]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/12/13/94008543-0-image-a-4_1736687008137.jpg)
Dokic played several of the 26-year-old's dancing TikToks on the big screen, with Sabalenka stating: 'I'm trying my best, I'm not the best dancer, but I am trying my best.'. But Dokic, pressed further, telling the world No 1: 'I have a question. You always dance but there's no one in the crowd. So, I have an idea...'.
![[Sabalenka claimed a 6-3 6-2 victory against her opponent getting her title defence off to a flying start in Melbourne]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/12/13/94008545-0-image-a-2_1736687002391.jpg)
Sabalenka appeared to blush before saying: 'Only if the whole crowd joins me!'. 'Of course, but how about we dance? If you want I can dance with you,' Dokic said. Aryna Sabalenka paused for a moment to dance on court at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday. It came after the defending champion (left) beat Sloane Stephens (right) in their opening-round clash.
She added: 'You show us the moves!'. The tunes started blaring over the tannoy system inside Rod Laver Arena, with the pair beginning subsequently showing off their dancing skills. Aussie actress Rebel Wilson in the crowd was seen on her feet having a boogy, as Sabalenka and Dokic danced on the court.
'Now they have approved that I am the worst dancer,' Sabalenka said into the microphone laughing after the jive. Sabalenka impressed on Sunday against Stephens taking a 4-0 lead in the first set. While she struggled to fend off the American's advances, with Stephens breaking back twice, She'd close out with a break of her own before serving out for the set point.
