TENNIS: Supreme Sabalenka and Rybakina set up Australian Open final showdown

MELBOURNE – Aryna Sabalenka surged into her fourth consecutive Australian Open final with a commanding 6-2, 6-3 win over Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina on Thursday. The Belarusian world number one will face familiar rival Elena Rybakina, who defeated American Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-6(7) to set up a blockbuster rematch of the 2023 final.

Top-seeded Sabalenka, aiming for her third Melbourne Park title in four years and fifth Grand Slam overall, dominated with raw power and aggressive play.

“I just can’t believe that. It’s an incredible achievement, but the job is not done yet,” Sabalenka said. “I’m super happy with the win. She’s such a tough opponent and has been playing incredible tennis the whole week.”

The match featured a controversial moment when Sabalenka was penalized for a mid-rally grunt in the first set. After a video review, the decision stood, leaving her visibly frustrated. “It was the wrong call, but whatever,” she said. “I was more aggressive. I was not happy with the call.”

Svitolina Hopes to Bring Light for Ukraine

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Belarusian and Russian players have been banned from representing their countries at Grand Slam events. Svitolina said she wanted to bring “light” for Ukraine, but Sabalenka’s dominance proved too strong.

Sabalenka became the third woman in the professional era to reach four straight Australian Open finals, joining Evonne Goolagong Cawley (1971-76) and Martina Hingis (1997-2002).

“Gutted not to make it through tonight,” Svitolina said. “It’s very difficult when you’re playing a world number one on fire.”

Match Highlights

Despite Svitolina’s valiant start, Sabalenka quickly turned the match in her favor. After a brief wobble in the first set, she broke Svitolina’s serve and maintained relentless pressure from the baseline, eventually sealing the first set 6-2.

The second set saw a brief challenge from Svitolina, who earned a break point at 4-2, but Sabalenka responded with precise winners and powerful serves to close out the match with a cross-court forehand.

Rybakina’s Heavy Hitting Secures Final Spot

Rybakina, the fifth seed, displayed her trademark heavy hitting in a tense semi-final against Pegula. She claimed the first set 6-3, while Pegula fought back in the second, forcing a tiebreak. Rybakina survived Pegula’s resistance and eventually triumphed 7-6(7).

“It was an epic second set. Jessica played so well, fought to the end, and I’m happy to be in the final,” Rybakina said. “It was really stressful, but I’m looking forward to playing on Saturday.”

Sabalenka and Rybakina will meet for the 15th time in the final, promising another thrilling showdown at Melbourne Park. -Reporting by Ian Ransom and Shrivathsa Sridhar; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters