- Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina booked a spot in this year’s Australian Open women’s final after defeating Victoria Azarenka 7-6 (7-4) 6-3
- On the other hand, Aryna Sabalenka reached her first major final after beating Poland’s Magda Linette 7-6 (7-1) 6-2
Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka are set to meet in this year’s Australian Open women’s final on Saturday.
Wimbledon champion Rybakina booked a spot in the final after defeating Victoria Azarenka 7-6 (7-4) 6-3. Rybakina added to what was already an impressive run ending the two-time champion’s hope of winning the title again. And as usual, she did it with her powerful serve.
Elena Rybakina has defeated Victoria Azarenka 7-6 (4), 6-3 to book a spot in the Australian Open women’s final. Photo/ WTA.
Victoria Azarenka secured the match’s first break in the fifth game, but her opponent responded instantly by winning three games in a row to serve for the set.
Azarenka, who was going for her third title in Melbourne, battled back to level things up at 5-5. However, she failed to break from 0-40, and Rybakina ended up taking the set in a tie-breaker.
The 23-year-old tall Kazakh took the momentum she had gained after winning the first set and ran with it. She broke in the third game after a backhand return winner was followed by errors from Victoria Azarenka.
Elena Rybakina could not convert break points in the fifth game, but her advantage later grew to 5-2 after her opponent double-faulted twice and dragged a forehand out of court.
Elena Rybakina won the next game and ended up booking a spot in the final. Speaking after the match, Rybakina said that she is really happy and is looking forward to enjoying playing in the final.
“I’m super happy to be in the final and play one more time here. It was different conditions, I couldn’t play aggressive tennis and couldn’t go so much for my shots, but I was happy to win. I got a lot of experience from Wimbledon, and I want to come on the court [for the final] and enjoy the moment.” BBC Sports quotes Elena Rybakina.
Aryna Sabalenka Through To Australian Open final
On the other hand, Aryna Sabalenka reached her first major final after beating Poland’s Magda Linette 7-6 (7-1) 6-2.
Linette got off to a perfect start breaking to love in the opening game. However, Sabalenka responded perfectly to make things 2-2 and the set remaining on serve.
Sabalenka would then showcase her abilities on the court, dominating the tie-breaker 7-1 and then claiming the first set. With a spot in the finals now in her sight, Sabalenka powered through the second set to claim victory.
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Poland’s Magda Linette 7-6 (7-1) 6-2, to reach first Grand Slam final at Australian Open. Photo/ WTA Tour.
Speaking after the win, Sabalenka expressed her happiness and praised Linette for her fighting spirit.
“I’m super happy that I was able to get the win. Linette is an unbelievable player, and she played really well. I didn’t start well but found my rhythm in the tie-break. I started trusting myself to go for more shots.” Aryna Sabalenka said after booking a spot in this year’s Australian Open women’s final, as per Eurosport.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login