World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Elena Rybakina in a high-stakes Australian Open final after both women stormed through their semifinals in straight sets on Thursday.
Two-time champion Sabalenka reached her fourth consecutive Melbourne final by defeating Elina Svitolina 6-2 6-3.
Despite a controversial “hindrance” call for grunting early in the match, Sabalenka remained composed, firing 29 winners to extend her winning streak to 11 matches.
She will meet world number five Elena Rybakina, who overcame American Jessica Pegula 6-3 7-6 (9-7). Rybakina, who has hit a tournament-high 41 aces, held her nerve in a tense second-set tie-break to secure a rematch of the 2023 final.
Both players enter Saturday’s final in peak form, having not dropped a single set during the tournament.
While Sabalenka seeks her fifth Grand Slam title, Rybakina aims to avenge her loss from three years ago and capitalize on a 6-5 career lead over the Belarusian on hard courts.
