Sabalenka makes short work of German in title defence

Sabalenka needed just 22 minutes to take the first set of her contest against German teenager Ella Seidel and then used another half an hour to wrap up her match 6-0 6-1.

The Belarusian could be seen pacing outside Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night, waiting for the end of the match between Novak Djokovic and Dino Prizmic, which stretched four sets and four hours and one minute.

Sabalenka served the first point of the match at 11.41pm, making a mockery of the plan avoid late start times by bringing day one of the tournament forward from Monday to Sunday.

The WTA and ATP had last week announced last week new scheduling regulations that recommend a start time for the night session of 6.30pm.

Starting in January, as a one-year trial, no matches will go on court after 11pm unless approved by the tours. However as a grand slam tournament the Open is exempt.

The night session at Melbourne Park starts at 7pm with the second match following the first on to court, regardless of the time.

Still, Sabalenka was not about to hang around, the world No.2 outclassing and overpowering the 18-year-old qualifier, blasting 20 winners to four.

The youngster saved three match points to win her first game of the match to trail 1-5 in the second, and then a further three on Sabalenka's serve before the champion triumphed.

Sabalenka said she was excited to be back her defend her crown after defeating Elena Rybakina last year in three sets to win her first major title.

"I'm super happy to be back in Melbourne; I had incredible memories from here, unforgettable memories and it feels so great to be back," the 25-year-old said.

"I am just really grateful for everything I have in life and for every opportunity I have playing on this incredible court.

"Hopefully, I can stay here until the very, very, very last day."

Australian Associated Press