Sabalenka to Face Rybakina in Blockbuster Melbourne Final

Sabalenka Sets Up Final Rematch with Rybakina

World number one Aryna Sabalenka will clash with Elena Rybakina in a power-packed Australian Open final, as two of the WTA’s fiercest hitters prepare for a rematch of their classic 2023 showdown.

Sabalenka stormed past Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 in Thursday’s semi-final, showcasing ruthless baseline power and laser focus to reach her fourth straight Melbourne final. Shortly after, Rybakina edged past Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-6 (9-7) in a tense second semi, setting up a highly anticipated title clash.

Red-Hot Form Heading into the Final

Neither Sabalenka nor Rybakina has dropped a set in Melbourne this year, underlining their dominance en route to the final.

• Sabalenka: 11-match win streak, 172 winners hit, chasing her fifth Grand Slam title.

• Rybakina: 19 wins in last 20 matches, including victories over Iga Swiatek and Pegula, and hungry to avenge her 2023 defeat to Sabalenka.

Their head-to-head on hard courts stands at 6-5 in favor of Rybakina, adding even more intrigue to Saturday’s final.

Mental Resilience the Key for Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina has hit the most aces of any player during this year’s tournament (41)

Sabalenka faced an unusual challenge during her semi-final when umpire Louise Azemar Engzell called her for hindrance after a mid-point grunt in the fourth game. Though visibly frustrated, Sabalenka channeled the incident into fuel.

“It actually benefitted my game,” Sabalenka admitted. “If she wants to call it again, go ahead.”

With 29 winners and just 15 unforced errors, Sabalenka overwhelmed Svitolina, who had no answers despite a strong tournament run.

Rybakina Keeps Cool in Pegula Thriller

Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, held her nerve in a tense second-set tiebreak to see off sixth seed Pegula. Despite letting a 5-3 lead slip and missing multiple match points, she stayed composed to clinch victory on her fourth match point.

The Kazakh No.5 seed now stands one win away from her second major title, and will be extra motivated against a familiar foe who denied her glory last year.

A Final for the Ages

With both women in peak form and no sets dropped in six matches, Saturday’s final promises fireworks.

• Can Sabalenka defend her crown and shake off the ghosts of her 2025 French Open and Melbourne disappointments?

• Will Rybakina complete her revenge tour and take her second Slam after a year of near-misses?

It’s a final built on firepower, mental toughness, and unfinished business.