Sabalenka Powers to Fourth Consecutive Australian Open Final, Faces Rybakina in Championship Clash
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Aryna Sabalenka is on the cusp of history, securing her place in the Australian Open final for the fourth year running. The world number one will face Elena Rybakina on Saturday, seeking her third title at the “Happy Slam.”
Dominant Semifinal Performances
Sabalenka, 27, delivered a commanding performance in the semifinals on Thursday, defeating Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3. The victory showcased Sabalenka’s current form and solidified her position as a favorite for the championship. Shortly after, fifth-seeded Elena Rybakina continued her impressive run, overcoming American Jessica Pegula in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6. This sets the stage for a rematch of the 2023 Melbourne final.
A Historic Run for Sabalenka
Reaching the final for the fourth consecutive time is a remarkable achievement. This feat has only been previously accomplished in the Open Era by Australian legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley (1971-1976) and Swiss star Martina Hingis (1997-2002, with six finals in total). Sabalenka will be competing in her eighth major final overall, adding to her previous successes at the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024, as well as triumphs at the US Open in both 2024 and 2025.
Sabalenka’s Path to the Final
“I can’t really believe it yet, it’s unbelievable what I’ve achieved. But the work isn’t over yet,” Sabalenka shared following her semifinal win. She expressed satisfaction with her performance, acknowledging the high level of play displayed by Svitolina throughout the week. Notably, Svitolina had previously dispatched third-seeded Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals, conceding only three games in the process. However, Sabalenka proved to be too formidable for the 31-year-old Svitolina, who was making her debut appearance in the Melbourne semifinals.
Rybakina Presents a Tough Challenge
Rybakina’s journey to the final has been equally impressive, demonstrating her power and consistency throughout the tournament. The upcoming match promises a compelling contest between two of the world’s top players. The 2023 final rematch is poised to be a thrilling culmination of the Australian Open.
