"Sabalenka came from a set down then to win her first grand slam, and has gone on to not only become a four-time major champion and undisputed world No 1 but accumulate serious numbers on hard courts that have surpassed even some of Serena's stats. This is Sabalenka's seventh consecutive major final on the surface something matched only by Martina Hingis and Steffi Graf in the open era and victory would secure her third Australian Open title in four years."
"After injury, illness and the suspension of her coach, the 2022 Wimbledon champion is playing some of her best tennis in three years, underlined by her statement victory over Sabalenka nearly three months ago to win the season-ending WTA Finals. Rybakina may be the world No 5 but these are the best two players in the world right now, who have shown they can bring out the best in each other on the biggest stages."
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina meet in a repeat of the 2023 Australian Open final. Sabalenka is a four-time major champion and undisputed world No 1 with exceptional hard-court numbers, reaching her seventh consecutive major final on the surface; a win would be her third Australian Open title in four years. Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion ranked world No 5, has returned to top form after injury, illness and a coaching suspension, highlighted by a dominant WTA Finals victory over Sabalenka. The matchup promises raw power and first-strike tennis, contrasting Sabalenka's emotional style with Rybakina's clinical composure. Match time: about 7.30pm Melbourne/8.30am GMT.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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