Aryna Sabalenka's moving response after Zheng Qinwen's 'pity' admission following final loss

Aryna Sabalenka has melted hearts with a wonderful message to vanquished foe Zheng Qinwen after dominating the Chinese youngster in the Australian Open final.

The 21-year-old stunned many by reaching the decider, but was simply no match for the all-conquering Sabalenka, and said she felt "a little bit of pity" after the loss.

Sabalenka, who was beaten in the US Open final last year, sympathised with Zheng.

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"I want to congratulate Qinwen on an incredible couple of weeks here in Australia," she said.

"I know this feeling, it's really tough to lose in the finals, but you're such an incredible player and such a young girl and you're going to be in many more finals.

"You're going to get it and I want to say congrats to you and your team on an amazing job you've done."

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Zheng won the first title of her career last July, and has seen a rapid ascension towards top-10 status on the WTA tour in the last six months.

"It's my first final and I'm feeling a little bit of pity, but that's how it is this experience for me," she said.

"At the same time, I want to say thanks to all the fans who have come here to watch me.

"I feel very complicated right now because I feel that I could do it better, but I didn't do it in this match.

"I want to say thanks to my team for helping me arrive here. I really enjoyed playing in this Australian Open.

"It was an amazing memory for me. I'm sure there is going to be more and better in the future."