Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka – Final – Preview & Prediction | 2023 Australian Open
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THE FACTS
When is Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka on and what time does it start? Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka will take place on Saturday 28th January, 2023 – not before 08:30 (UK)
Where is Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka taking place? Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka being played on? Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka
What channel is Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka on in the UK? Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka live on their website, while Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
ELENA RYBAKINA
23-year-old Elena Rybakina will finally break the top 10 on tour for the first time after a straight-sets victory over Victoria Azarenka saw her through to her second Grand Slam final. The Kazakh won her maiden final at Wimbledon last summer but the controversial ranking points ban saw her efforts go somewhat neglected on tour, with her opening match here in Melbourne held out in the sticks of Court 13 a clear example of that. Rybakina beat last season’s runner-up Danielle Collins in the third round, to whom she has lost her only set of the tournament, as well as pre-tournament favourite Iga Swiatek in the round of 16.
ARYNA SABALENKA
24-year-old Aryna Sabalenka will reclaim her career-high WTA world ranking of second no matter the outcome of this final after overcoming Magda Linette’s surprise run in straight sets on Thursday. The Belarussian has won each of her last 10 matches without dropping a set after claiming the 11th WTA title of her career at Adelaide 1 at the start of the month and this is her first Grand Slam final reached after losing out in three previous semi-finals. Sabalenka finished runner-up to Caroline Garcia at the WTA Finals late last November after impressive victories over world numbers 1-3 in Iga Swiatek, Ons Jabeur and Jessica Pegula.
THE PREDICTION
After another thrilling Australian Open full of twists and turns we have been left a mouth-watering final two in world number five Aryna Sabalenka and soon-to-be number 10 Elena Rybakina. 24-year-old Sabalenka looked one of the pre-tournament favourites coming into Melbourne after winning in Adelaide at the start of the year but Rybakina looked more than likely to be a multiple Grand Slam champion after claiming her first major title at SW19 last summer and it is no surprise to see her back at the top so soon. The perennially underestimated Kazakh has practically every weapon imaginable on court but it is her steely determination that makes her such a threat. That mentality makes it hard for the crowd to warm to her but she should receive at least half of the support here perhaps out of guilt for how she was treated at Wimbledon more than anything.
Calmness is key for Sabalenka this season too. The Belarussian’s world-beating serve and power has always been her trump card, apart from last season’s torrid loss of rhythm, but she looked ready to take that next step this campaign and she delivered in assured fashion. Neutrals will be pleased to hear that all three of their previous encounters have needed a deciding set but Sabalenka can take confidence in leading their head-to-head 3-0 after most recently ousting Rybakina at Wimbledon back in 2021. Sabalenka also owns a commendable 11-8 record in finals, whilst the Kazakh has lost seven of her 10 finals so far. The suitably cautious move is backing Sabalenka to earn at least a set here but the Belarussian was our pick to win from the start of the tournament and she should be able to edge to victory here in a likely thriller.
