Rybakina: Australian Open Final & World No.1 Contender?
When discussing the top women in professional tennis, certain names consistently rise to the surface. Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked number one in the world, is widely considered the player to beat. Coco Gauff and Iga Świątek, both multiple Grand Slam champions, are also frequently mentioned, as is Naomi Osaka, whose star power remains significant despite her last Grand Slam title coming five years ago.
A Rising Challenger: Elena Rybakina
However, one name often overlooked in these conversations is Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan. Rybakina has proven capable of competing with anyone in the top 10, yet hasn’t consistently received the same level of attention. She won her first and only Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022, defeating Ons Jabeur.
Following her Wimbledon triumph, Rybakina experienced a mixed bag of results, including a first-round exit at the US Open. She pushed Sabalenka to the limit in the 2023 Australian Open final, demonstrating her competitive edge. Now, three years later, she finds herself back in contention for the Australian Open title, with a chance for revenge against Sabalenka.
A Path to the Final
Rybakina’s journey back to the Australian Open final hasn’t been without its challenges. She’s had both quarterfinal appearances and disappointing early exits. However, after a third-round loss at Wimbledon last year, her performance markedly improved. Since then, she has won more matches than any other woman on tour.
Her recent form included a win against Sabalenka at last year’s ATP Finals. Thursday’s semifinal against Jessica Pegula proved a significant test. Rybakina dominated the first three quarters of the match, appearing poised for a straightforward victory.
Leading 5-3 in the second set, Rybakina faced a resilient Pegula, who won a grueling 14-point game and subsequently held set points in the tiebreaker. Despite this pressure, Rybakina managed to regain her composure and secure her place in the final.
Rybakina has yet to drop a set en route to the final, showcasing her strengths. Her serve, with 41 aces – the most in the women’s draw this year – and her powerful two-handed backhand have been particularly effective. She expressed confidence in her all-around game after the semifinal win.
“The serve quite often might not work as much as I want, and you need to be ready to win with other aspects of your game,” she said. “I think now I’m just trying to stay more calm in these situations, trying to think and adjust, and for now it’s been working. Hopefully this serve is going to help me on Saturday, but even if it’s not, I’m still going to try and find my way.”
Looking Ahead: Rybakina vs. Sabalenka
Saturday’s final will be the 15th meeting between Rybakina and Sabalenka, with Sabalenka leading the head-to-head record 8-6. The pair have traded wins in their last five encounters. Rybakina’s power, matching Sabalenka’s on both serve and groundstrokes, makes her a formidable opponent.
While winning the title against Sabalenka will be a difficult task, Rybakina has proven she is capable of challenging the world number one. Regardless of the outcome, her return to form is undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Grand Slam titles does Elena Rybakina have?
Elena Rybakina has won one Grand Slam title, at Wimbledon in 2022.
What was the result of the 2023 Australian Open final between Rybakina and Sabalenka?
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina in a three-set thriller to win the 2023 Australian Open women’s title.
How many matches has Rybakina won since her third-round exit at Wimbledon last year?
Rybakina has won the most matches on the women’s tour since her third-round exit at Wimbledon last year.
Given Rybakina’s recent form and her ability to challenge Sabalenka, what kind of match are you anticipating in the Australian Open final?