PHOTOS: “I like to pose!” Aryna Sabalenka’s delightful Australian Open trophy shoot

WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka talks with the press after her 2023 Australian Open victory

Aryna Sabalenka lifted her first Grand Slam trophy at Australian Open on Saturday, ending a years-long wait in style as she extended her 2023 winning streak to 11 matches.

But the reality had yet to sink in when the newly minted champion took the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup out for the traditional trophy photo shoot the next morning at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

“I think I need a few more days to realize what happened,” Sabalenka told photographers.

“I still feel like I’m on another planet trying to understand what happened!”

The champion’s outfit was perfect for the occasion, too, as Sabalenka stepped out in a lilac look by Zimmermann, an acclaimed Australian luxury fashion label based in Sydney. She matched the capped-sleeve blouse and skirt featuring delicate floral appliques with a pair of royal blue Manolo Blahnik Hangisi pumps.

Famously giggly off the court—a stark contrast to her fierce on-court persona—Sabalenka brought out a range of poses during the shoot, from a few serious portraits to her signature playful peace signs and pouts.

“I like to pose, especially when you’re a Grand Slam champion!” she laughed. “I think this is the best morning of my life, everything is so beautiful.”

Check out more photos from Sabalenka’s delightful trophy shoot in Melbourne: