Sabalenka Favored, Rybakina Vows to Fight Until the End
Aryna Sabalenka is set to compete for her third Australian Open title in the upcoming match against Elena Rybakina. This rematch follows their title showdown from three years ago. Currently, Sabalenka, aged 27, is considered the clear favorite. She has achieved three Grand Slam victories since her breakthrough win in 2023, while Rybakina is yet to add to her 2022 Wimbledon championship.
Head-to-Head Rivalry
Sabalenka and Rybakina are no strangers on the court, having faced each other 14 times. The rivalry features intense baseline battles and fluctuating momentum. Despite holding a narrow edge overall, Sabalenka emphasizes that their past meetings will not influence their performance in this final. “We’ve both evolved,” she stated. “I’ll treat it as a brand new match and give it my all.”
A New Outlook for Rybakina
Rybakina, the fifth seed, is looking to leverage her recent experience from the WTA Finals where she defeated Sabalenka. “I’ll fight till the end,” she asserted, reinforcing her commitment to secure victory at Melbourne Park. Both players are aggressive, making their serves crucial in the upcoming match.
Significance of the 2023 Final
The 2023 Australian Open final remains memorable, as Sabalenka rallied from a set down to clinch her first major title. Rybakina recalled, “It was a close match. Aryna served much better at the end, and she deserved to win.”
Current Performance
Sabalenka has enjoyed remarkable success at the Australian Open, winning 26 of her last 27 matches. Her only loss occurred in the 2025 final against Madison Keys. This year, she has reached the final without dropping a single set, showcasing her powerful serve and flat groundstrokes that are well-suited to the fast hardcourts of Melbourne.
Rybakina’s Impressive Run
Rybakina has maintained a strong performance as well. She joins Sabalenka in reaching the final without conceding a set, a feat last seen in 2004 with Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters. Rybakina defeated Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals, winning 6-3, 7-6(9/7), continuing her strong form with 13 victories in her last 14 matches.
Conclusion
As Sabalenka stands on the brink of her fifth Grand Slam title, Rybakina is determined to reclaim her place among the elite. This promising rematch at the Australian Open is not only a clash of skill but a testament to their growth as athletes. Fans can anticipate an engaging battle on the court as both players aim to make history.
