Rivals’ power show sets up final rematch

ARYNA Sabalenka will face Elena Rybakina in an Australian Open final rematch after both women powered through to the final.

- BY ELEANOR CROOKS, PA

Aryna Sabalenka and (right) Elena Rybakina in action during the Australian Open semi-finals

(ROBERT PRANGE/GETTY IMAGES)

The pair were the form players coming into the tournament and neither has yet dropped a set, with Sabalenka defeating Elina Svitolina 6-2 6-3 and Rybakina seeing off Jessica Pegula 6-3 7-6 (7).

If the final is anything like their trophy decider in 2023 then ticket-holders tomorrow are in for a treat, with Sabalenka fighting back from a set down on that occasion to win her first title in Melbourne.

She has reached the final every year since, winning again in 2024 and losing another thrilling encounter with Madison Keys 12 months ago.

Sabalenka’s dominance on hard courts in particular is emphasised by the fact this is her seventh straight major final on the surface, while Wimbledon last summer was the only time in the last six slams she has failed to reach the showpiece.