Elena Rybakina is gearing up for another “great battle” as she faces world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a rematch of their 2023 Australian Open final.
The Kazakh fifth seed secured her place in the title match on Thursday after a tense 1 hour 40-minute victory over American sixth seed Jessica Pegula, winning 6-3, 7-6 (9/7). The win earned Rybakina a chance to avenge her loss to Sabalenka three years ago, when the Belarusian rallied from a set down to lift the Melbourne trophy.
“It was a great battle and she played better in the end,” Rybakina said of the 2023 decider. “I want to enjoy the final and hopefully serve better than today. I’m so excited to play.”
Rybakina, who has yet to drop a set this tournament, faced her toughest test against Pegula, who saved three match points before breaking serve as Rybakina served for the match. The Kazakh regrouped to take the set in a nail-biting tiebreak, showing composure under pressure.
“It was an epic second set. I’m really glad I managed to win it,” she said. “I stayed focused, fought for every point, and I’m proud of that.”
Moscow-born Rybakina, who defeated second seed Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals, is aiming to capture her first Grand Slam since winning Wimbledon in 2022. The 26-year-old enters the final in sizzling form, having beaten Sabalenka to claim the WTA Finals in Riyadh in November and winning 19 of her last 20 matches.
After racing through the first set in 32 minutes, Rybakina faced a fierce fightback from Pegula in the second set, including a dramatic break to force a tiebreak. Ultimately, Rybakina’s high-powered groundstrokes and mental toughness carried her to her third Grand Slam final.
“I just need some rest now,” she added, looking ahead to Saturday’s championship clash.
