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Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka, Australian Open final preview: Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will meet on Saturday in an Australian Open final which promises to be an exhibition of powerful hitting and big serving. Belarusian fifth seed Sabalenka is regarded as a slight favourite, although it is Moscow-born Kazakh Rybakina who has the experience of having already won a Grand Slam. The 23-year-old won Wimbledon last year and acknowledges that her serve is her “weapon”. If that fires under the lights at Rod Laver Arena, Sabalenka could be in trouble. Rybakina has sent down 45 aces in reaching the decider at Melbourne Park, easily more than anyone else in the women’s draw. “It’s going to be a tough battle,” Rybakina said after defeating two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka in the semi-finals, having disposed of top-ranked Iga Swiatek in the fourth round. Rybakina will be roared on from the sidelines by her sister and parents, who were not court-side when she triumphed at Wimbledon last year. She is taking extra inspiration from their presence. “It’s the first time they’re all together here. I’m super happy that we can spend evenings together and they can watch me live,” she said. The 24-year-old Sabalenka is one win away from a breakthrough first Grand Slam crown and is in exceptional form. She has won all 10 matches she has contested this season and has not dropped a set in 2023, her power game overwhelming opponents. She is more brutal than Rybakina, her muscles generating spin and driving the ball through the court. It is a trait Sabalenka has always possessed, but it was often stymied by her fractious nerves. But not this year. Sabalenka has turned it around by working tirelessly last year with her coaches, a sports psychologist and a biomechanical specialist. “I was trying to do less screaming after some bad points or some errors,” Sabalenka said. “I was just trying to hold myself, stay calm, just think about the next point. “I’m still screaming ‘C’mon!’ and all that stuff, just less negative emotions.” But Rybakina’s coach Stefano Vukov believes her run to the title at Wimbledon will give her the edge on Saturday. “I think experience is a big factor. Once you go through the rollercoaster ride once, you know what to expect, more or less, emotionally,” Vukov said. “I think Aryna is an extremely powerful player, great forehand,” he added. “Can have a great serving day, can have a bad serving day, something we will try to capitalise on tomorrow. “I think who serves well tomorrow goes through. That’s my feeling.” With AFP inputs Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Australian Open 2023 Women's Final Highlights: Aryna Sabalenka beats Elena Rybakina to clinch trophy
Australian Open 2023 Women’s Final Highlights: Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to win her first Grand Slam title.
 "Australian Open 2023 Women's Final Highlights: Aryna Sabalenka beats Elena Rybakina to clinch trophy")
Champion Aryna Sabalenka:
“It’s such an inspiration to receive this trophy from you [Billie Jean King]. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for our support. I couldn’t be more thankful.
“I want to congratulate Elena for an incredible two weeks. You are such a great player. I hope we have many more battles and hopefully in finals of Grand Slams. Congratulations to your team.
“Thank you for an amazing atmosphere. It was enjoyable to play in front of you. Thanks to my team – the craziest team on tour. We’ve been through a lot of downs last year. We worked so hard and you guys deserve this trophy.”
“First I would like to congratulate Aryna on the title and a great start to the season. I know how hard you have worked for that and your team. Good luck for the rest of the season and hopefully we are going to have many more battles,” runner-up Elena Rybakina said at the presentation ceremony.
“I want to say a big thank you to my team for the great job we have done; to my family, coach and president of the Kazakhstan Federation, thank you so much for the support.”
Having come short three times at Grand Slams with a semifinal finish, Aryna Sabalenka goes all the way in her first final. Gets the Australian Open title from Billie Jean King and acknowledges it is an honour for her
— Tanuj Lakhina from Melbourne
Elena Rybakina picks up the runner up trophy from Billie Jean King
Tanuj Lakhina reports from Melbourne: The stage is set for Aryna Sabalenka to be crowned as the new Australian Open champion
Sabalenka is delighted!
This is your moment, @SabalenkaA 🙌#AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/EI91Y0NLIQ
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2023
Australian Open 2023: Sabalenka is AO winner
Tanuj Lakhina reports from Melbourne: Aryna Sabalenka does it the hard way in the end but that has been the theme of this match. She converts a fourth match point, while saving a break point, to become the 2023 Australian Open champion. Credit to her for holding on and not buckling under pressure even if one of those match points was wasted with a double fault. What a show from both these women and has been an incredible contest!
Aryna Sabalenka is the Australian Open women’s singles champion!
She beats Elena Rybakina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to win her first Grand Slam title in her first major final.
Australian Open 2023 LIVE SCORE
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 3rd set: 4-5, 3-6, 6-4
Rybakina held her serve and now Sabalenka will have the biggest service game of her life.
Australian Open 2023 LIVE
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 3rd set: 3-5, 3-6, 6-4
Big hold of serve for Sabalenka. She is now just one game away from her first Grand Slam title. Forehand winners helped Rybakina to deuce but the Belarusian closed out the game.
Australian Open 2023: Rybakina vs Sabalenka
Tanuj Lakhina reports from Melbourne: Aryna Sabalenka had been knocking on the door for a long time and Elena Rybakina kept her out each time… until now! A deep return and the Rybakina shot sits up which is smashed away for the BREAK! Sabalenka leads 4-3 and is two games away from her maiden Grand Slam title
Australian Open 2023 LIVE SCORE
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 3rd set: 3-4, 3-6, 6-4
Sabalenka with the first break in the decider. Rybakina saved two break points but Sabalenka made sure the set was not on serve anymore with a winner. Big moment this in the match.
Australian Open 2023: Rybakina vs Sabalenka
Tanuj Lakhina reports from Melbourne: There have been quite a few important holds in this match so far but this one by Rybakina could be right up there. Down break back point, Rybakina bangs 191kmph service winner and then 193 kmph winner. She closes the game out with a precise backhand winner into the corner and then forces an error from Sabalenka. Rybakina leads 3-2 in the third
Australian Open 2023 LIVE SCORE
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 3rd set: 3-2, 3-6, 6-4
We are so close. Who will win?
A magic Melbourne moment is coming up for one of our finalists 🌟#AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/IptS9rf3MH
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2023
Australian Open 2023 LIVE SCORE
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 3rd set: 3-2, 3-6, 6-4
At 30-30, Sabalenka gets a break point with a forehand winner down the line but goes long on the next shot. Two good serves and Rybakina took the advantage only to make an error again. She got the advantage back with a backhand. Sabalenka went to the third deuce with some powerful ball striking but Rybakina closed the game with a forehand winner and an ace.
Australian Open 2023 LIVE SCORE
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 3rd set: 2-2, 3-6, 6-4
Some big shots and Sabalenka holds to 15. This set is just like going through the motions.
Australian Open 2023 LIVE SCORE
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 3rd set: 2-1, 3-6, 6-4
Both players are being cautious here, not really trying to take the initiative. They are relying on service games, holding their serves so far.
Australian Open 2023 LIVE
Australian Open 2023 LIVE Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 3rd set: 1-0, 3-6, 6-4
Australian Open 2023 LIVE
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 3rd set: 1-0, 3-6, 6-4
A rattled Rybakina takes the first game in 3rd set, holding her serve. Things got tensed after Rybakina got a 40-0 lead but she managed to hold with one down the T.
Australian Open 2023: Rybakina vs Sabalenka
Tanuj Lakhina reports from Melbourne: Aryna Sabalenka takes the second set 6-3 and forces a decider! She closes the set out with back-to-back aces and has thundered her way into this match after looking clueless at one point. Converts her third set point opportunity there
Australian Open 2023 LIVE
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 2nd set: 3-6, 6-4
Sabalenka serving for the set, hit an ace and took three set points. Wrapped up the second set 6-3 with another ace.
Australian Open 2023 LIVE
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 2nd set: 3-5, 6-4
A forehand winner gives Sabalenka two set points on Rybakina’s serve. The Kazakh took it to deuce with an ace and backhand winner. Then took advantage with a drop shot. Sabalenka pulled one back but later went long and Rybakina managed to hold her serve.
Australian Open 2023 LIVE
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 2nd set: 2-5, 6-4
Sabalenka holds to 15 with a shot to the net that bounces into the court. She won’t mind that.
Australian Open 2023: Rybakina vs Sabalenka
Tanuj Lakhina reports from Melbourne: All games in this set have gone to deuce and Sabalenka has reaped the benefits of points and games getting longer. She is dictating play and more aggressive of the two with Rybakina pulling away a touch. 14 point game goes to Rybakina and she’s being made to work for holds now. Sabalenka leads 4-2 in the second set
Australian Open 2023 LIVE
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 2nd set: 2-4, 6-4
Rybakina held onto her serve despite Sabalenka having three break points. Sabalenka is getting better and more aggressive. Her ground strokes are coming better now and placement is even better.
Tanuj Lakhina reports from Melbourne:
Stat
Sabalenka in her last 6 matches after losing first set at Slams:
beat Collins (2022 US Open)
beat Kanepi (2022 US Open)
beat Paquet (2022 French Open)
beat Vondrousova (2022 AO)
beat Wang (2022 AO)
beat Sanders (2022 AO)
last defeat vs Fernandez @ 2021 USO
Australian Open 2023 LIVE Updates
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 2nd set: 1-4, 6-4
Rybakina did well by rushing to the net, putting pressure on Sabalenka who went wide and the Kazakh had a 30-15 lead on her opponent’s serve. Sabalenka got to 40-30 with a good serve but then went long for a decue. A double fault followed but a backhand helped Sabalenka go back to deuce. And after a tough fight, Sabalenka held onto her serve.
Australian Open 2023: Rybakina vs Sabalenka
Tanuj Lakhina reports from Melbourne: Aryna Sabalenka is still in it, she’s still fighting. But you can’t help wonder for how long. There is a drop of the shoulders, that she’s got no idea how to get that edge. Digs deep to hold from 15-40 in the first serve of the second set and then bangs consecutive aces from deuce in the second
Australian Open 2023 LIVE Updates
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 2nd set: 1-3, 6-4
It was a difficult game but Sabalenka held her serve before earning two break points. Rybakina pulled one back with an ace but went long the next time and Sabalenka earned a break.
Look, who’s here!
G'day, @russellcrowe 👋#AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/t2xPIpdDlQ
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2023
Australian Open 2023 LIVE Updates
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 2nd set: 1-1, 6-4
A good cross-court forehand helped Sabalenka take it to deuce but the next one is long and Rybakina closed the game with her solid serve.
Australian Open 2023 LIVE Updates
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 2nd set: 0-1, 6-4
Fighting start for Sabalenka. Down a couple of break points, she fought to hold her serve. All three matches between these players before this final had gone to three sets. Sabalenka had won all those three matches.
Australian Open 2023: Rybakina vs Sabalenka
Tanuj Lakhina reports from Melbourne: Elena Rybakina takes the opening set 6-4 as Aryna Sabalenka sends the serve return into the net. This is the first set the Belarusian has dropped this year. The big difference in that first set? Rybakina won 75% points on the second serve, Sabalenka won just 33%
Australian Open 2023 LIVE
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 1st set: 6-4
Rybakina had three set points and she won the first set 6-4. There was a rally on the first point but Sabalenka’s backhand failed her. Something same followed and Rybakina closed the set. Clam celebration from the Kazakh.
Australian Open 2023: Rybakina vs Sabalenka
Tanuj Lakhina reports from Melbourne: Sabalenka sighs, gestures at her box in disbelief after serving yet another double fault. She’s now served five double faults (to zero by Rybakina). Rybakina will now serve for the opening set
Australian Open 2023 LIVE
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 1st set: 5-4
Rybakina breaks again and is in the front again. She will now have a chance to close the first set. Sabalenka tried fighting back but double faults didn’t help much.
Australian Open 2023: Rybakina vs Sabalenka
Tanuj Lakhina reports from Melbourne: Break back! A rather poor game from Rybakina and she’s made to pay for it. Sabalenka roars after the backhand pass and it is 4-4 in the first set
Australian Open 2023 LIVE
Rybakina vs Sabalenka, 1st set: 4-4
We are back on serve. Fantastic ball striking and winners have started flowing off Sabalenka’s racquet. Three break points and she closes the game on second with a backhand winner down the line.
Australian Open 2023 women singles final
Tanuj Lakhina reports from Melbourne: This match was expected to be decided on small margins and serve was to play a key factor and that has been the case so far. Rybakina and Sabalenka both have 5 aces but it the Belarussian who has erred with 3 double faults. Both had 71% first serves going into the eighth game but the Kazakh had won 90% of those points
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