Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina Preview & Prediction | 2026 Australian Open | Final
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In a rematch of 2023, Aryna Sabalenka faces Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final.
Start date/time:
Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
Surface: Outdoor hard
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina ticket information
Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina prediction
Aryna Sabalenka advanced to her fourth Australian Open final in a row after defeating Elina Svitolina in straight sets. The world number one is still yet to drop a set in 2026 and is on an 11-match winning streak to start to the year. Sabalenka took the first set with ease, and despite going an early break down in the second, recovered to win 6-2 6-3. The 27-year-old has now reached the final of the last seven hard court majors in a row, matching an Open Era record.
Elena Rybakina is her opponent in the final as she defeated Jessica Pegula in the other semi-final. The 26-year-old went in front after a dominant first set and looked to be cruising to the final after going a break up in the second. However, Rybakina twice failed to serve out the match and was forced into a tiebreak. Pegula had the opportunity to level it up, but Rybakina held her nerve to save a set point and finally clinch victory as she won 6-3 7-6 (7). Rybakina, a Wimbledon champion in 2022, will compete in her third major final.
The head-to-head 8-6 in Sabalenka’s favour, and she leads 5-4 on outdoor hard court. This will be a rematch of the 2023 final in Melbourne, with Sabalenka coming from a set down to win the first of her four major titles up to this point. However, Rybakina did win their last meeting at the end of last year as she won the WTA Finals in straight sets.
Both players have produced a strong level throughout the tournament and neither has dropped a set on their way to the final, which is the first time this has occurred in the women’s game since Wimbledon in 2008, when Serena and Venus Williams got through to the final with unblemished records.
This is likely to be a competitive final, with both players possessing weapons, which include their strong serves and flat ball-striking from the back of the court. Sabalenka’s return game and defensive coverage could give her the edge, but Rybakina will be her toughest test of the tournament by some margin.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina tip: Aryna Sabalenka to win
