Sabalenka forming part of a new 'Big Three' says Dokic

JELENA DOKIC says Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will form part of a new women’s ‘Big Three’.

- Neil McLeman

Belarusian world No.2 Sabalenka, 24, overcame 23-year-old Wimbledon champion Rybakina 4-6 6-3 6-4 to claim her first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open.

Women’s tennis lacks stars and rivalries since the retirement of Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Ash Barty, while Naomi Osaka is expecting her first child.

But former Wimbledon semifinalist Dokic claims the two finalists Down Under can challenge world No.1 Iga Swiatek, 21, at the top of the game for the next 10 years. “They’re putting pressure on Iga now,” said Dokic, above, now a coach and commentator.