WIMBLEDON champion Elena Rybakina has advanced to the women’s singles Australian Open final, where she will face Aryna Sabalenka.
Rybanika won in straight sets today to end Victoria Azarenka’s dream of a third Melbourne title, 10 years after her last triumph.
Rybakina, 23, won their semi-final battle 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to reach Saturday’s final.
The Kazakh regained her composure in at the end of a tough first set before confidently dominating the second.
“I’m very happy to be in the final and play one more time here,” said 22nd seed Rybakina, who will contest her second major final.
“It was different conditions, I couldn’t play aggressive tennis and couldn’t go so much for my shots but I was happy to win.
“I got a lot of experience from Wimbledon and I want to come on court [for the final] and enjoy the moment.”
On her part, Sabalenka reached her first Grand Slam singles final with a 7-6 6-2 victory over unseeded Pole Magda Linette.
The Belarusian hit 33 winners and maintained her record of not losing a set through 10 matches so far this season.
“I’m super happy that I was able to get this win,” Sabalenka said.
“She’s an unbelievable player, she played great tennis. I didn’t start really well and in the tie-break I found my rhythm, started trusting myself and going for my shots.”
After losing three Grand Slam semi-finals in the past, Sabalenka admitted today’s match was a big test of whether she could keep her head.
Saturday’s final is a battle of two players who rely heavily on their power.
