Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday reached the final of the Australian Open 2023 after winning their respective semi-finals. The 23-year-old Ryabkina, who represents Kazakhstan, beat Victoria Azarenka 7-6(4), 6-3 at Melbourne Park. On the other hand, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus won her first Grand Slam title at the age of 24 by defeating unseeded Magda Linet 7-6(1), 6-2 in the other semi-final.
Rybkina and Sabalenka use a similar brand of tennis, which relies on big serves and big hitting from the baseline. However, Sabalenka is far less cautious, and his penchant for high-risk, high-reward play was evident against Linette, who had never previously advanced beyond the third round in 29 appearances in the majors.
The key to both semi-finals turned out to be the first set tiebreaker. After Azarenka missed the mark on her strokes, for the most part, things got easier for Rybkina, while Sabalenka opened up a 6–0 lead. It was not as if Sabalenka’s every shot hit the right line, but Lynette must have felt that way.
“Everything was new at Wimbledon,” Rybakina said after hitting nine aces in the semifinals.
“In the tiebreaker, I really found my rhythm. Started trusting myself. Started going for my shots” Sabalenka said.
Rybakina’s win over Azarenka, the champion at Melbourne Park in 2012 and 2013, added to an already impressive run through a string of top opponents. She also defeated No. 1 Inga Swiatek and No. 17 Jelena Ostapenko – both holders of major titles – and 2022 Australian Open runner-up Danielle Collins.
“For sure, they are very experienced players,” said Rybakina, whose parents and sister have been in town throughout the Australian Open.
The women’s final match is scheduled for January 28 at 2 PM IST at the Rod Laver Arena.