The Australian Open women’s final is set to feature a thrilling matchup between world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 5 Elena Rybakina on Saturday. Sabalenka has a strong history at the tournament, having won the title twice, but Rybakina comes into this final after a recent victory over Sabalenka at the WTA Finals.
Experts have weighed in on the keys to victory for both players. For Sabalenka, managing nerves will be critical, especially as she seeks to secure her fifth major title and third Australian Open crown. Having not dropped a set throughout the tournament, she brings an impressive 11-match win streak and an aggressive playing style that has proven successful. However, her history of emotional struggles in major finals could pose a challenge. Analysts suggest that if she can maintain her composure and apply early pressure on Rybakina, leveraging her powerful shot-making skills, she could dominate the match. Enhancing her focus on Rybakina’s second serve will also be pivotal, allowing her to dictate the pace of play.
On the other hand, Rybakina’s success in the final hinges largely on her serve, a potent weapon that has secured her numerous easy points throughout her matches. Having struck a tournament-best 41 aces so far, Rybakina will need to replicate her strong first serve percentage to compete effectively against Sabalenka. Previous encounters between the two highlight that Rybakina has the tools to match Sabalenka’s power and upset her rhythm. The recent successes over Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula in the tournament showcase her rise in form and confidence.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, while Sabalenka leads the series overall, Rybakina holds a slight edge on hard courts, winning four of the last five encounters on that surface. The stakes are high for both; while Sabalenka is keen to reclaim her crown after previous disappointments, Rybakina is aiming for her second major title after a remarkable comeback to form.
As the final approaches, commentators predict an intense battle, with Sabalenka’s experience potentially giving her a slight edge. However, Rybakina’s recent momentum and confidence promise to make it a closely contested match, with both players ready to leave everything on the court. This anticipation sets the stage for what could be an unforgettable final.