Two of the biggest hitters on tour will be going head-to-head when Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina battle for the Australian Open title on Saturday night.
Sabalenka is still in search for her first Grand Slam title; in fact, she will be playing in a slam final for the first time. The 24-year-old Belarusian had previously been 0-3 lifetime in major semifinals, but she defeated Magda Linette 7-6(1), 6-2 on Thursday. That result was preceded by five other straight-set victories–over Tereza Martincova, Shelby Rogers, Elise Mertens, Belinda Bencic, and Donna Vekic.
Rybakina’s run has been incredible in terms of competition level. After beating Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Kaja Juvan, the 23-year-old Kazakh took out Danielle Collins, Iga Swiatek, Jelena Ostapenko, and Victoria Azarenka. That list includes the 2022 Aussie Open runner-up (Collins) and three major champions.
Sabalenka leads the official head-to-head series 3-0, but all three previous encounters went to a third set and Rybakina at least managed to score a victory over the current world No. 5 at the World Tennis League team competition this past fall.
Rybakina has to be confident heading into Saturday. The No. 22 seed has run through a daunting list of opponents and she handled her first Grand Slam final appearance extremely well–a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Ons Jabeur at Wimbledon last summer. Ryabkina has proven herself on this stage and she is more than capable of getting it done again.
Pick: Rybakina in 3
who ya got?
Both players in top form…but Sabelenka in 3.
Rybakina in three – purely on her being a Slam winner already.
But will be rooting for Aryna .
Poetic justice, Russian and Belorussian in the final of the GS where Russian and Belorussian flags are banned and spectators that display them are evicted, some even charged.
I love them both, advantage Sabalenka (have you seen her private photos , she is se. bomb, Anita Ekberg😉) low temperature and night match suits her game more than Rybakina game.
Rybakina parents and family are in Melbourne for a difference of Wimbledon where she couldn’t share her joy with family since they were banned of entering UK being Russians.
The Eurosport commentator said Sabalenka had weapons of mass destruction.Unfortunate choice of words
Hi wog boy
Amazing irony. A Russian and Belorussian get the trophies and all that cash.
Hi Django,
Absolutely, as I said, poetic justice, good to see you here.
American commentators don’t get close to political comment, not even a wee gaffe.
I like both players, and Rybakina was right there, looming early in Iga’s draw. Sabalenka isn’t a favorite of mine, but she has worked hard the past year and has a good chance if she can stay calm. Rybakina is always calm, it seems. Her parents made the trip to Melbourne, so I’ll be hoping Elena gets her second GS.
Yeah . I like both players too but for some reason I didnt have Rybakina winning a match in this bracket. Losing to an Italian who played well in the warm up tournaments. Gut feeling msays Rybakina will win but Id be happy for Aryna
They both deserve the final battle. I’m hoping for Rybarakina, for whom I’ve always had a soft spot, but not too worried either way.
?
I think Sabalenka is due; she’s come up short on many ocassions but has had a stellar preparation this year and is physically the strongest female on tour, which could be the difference in these conditons.
I think Sabalenka is due; she’s come up short on many ocassions but has had a stellar preparation this year and is physically the strongest female on tour, which could be the difference in these conditons.
Like everyone here, love both girls, was happy for either to win, great final, delighted for Sabalenka, well done ladies, great advert for womens tennis….
Great final. Sabalenka was just too strong and better on serve in the end. I thought Rybakina eased up on her groundstrokes in the 2nd and 3rd sets, but it could just be that she was getting overpowered on most points. Those ladies were hitting the cover off the ball the whole match. Well done!