Australian Open: Will Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka win the women's title?

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By Nancy Gillen

Published Jan 27, 2023

After two weeks of world-class tennis, the two Australian Open finalists have been decided.

After two weeks of world-class tennis, the two Australian Open finalists have been decided.

Elena Rybakina will take on Aryna Sabalenka at the Rod Laver Arena early tomorrow morning (January 28th) for UK viewers.

Both players are tall, strong and powerful, and subsequently have very similar playing styles. But only one can come out on top.

Will Elena Rybakina win the Australian Open?

Elena Rybakina playing at the Australian Open

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan plays a backhand in the Semifinals singles match against Victoria Azarenka during day 11 of the 2023 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

The 23-year-old Rybakina is on the hunt for her second Grand Slam title, having triumphed at Wimbledon last year.

She received no ranking points for her victory, however, and has therefore not been treated like a Grand Slam winner usually would. Rybakina was seeded 22nd for the Australian Open, and began her tournament playing on Court 13.

The anonymity would have likely suited the Kazakhstani star. Quiet and seemingly emotionless on court, Rybakina defeated fellow Grand Slam champions Iga Świątek, Jelena Ostapenko and Victoria Azarenka on her way to the final.

She has lost all three of her previous encounters to Sabalenka, but the pair last played in July 2021. Much has changed since then, and Rybakina could well be the player to stop her Belarusian opponent’s impressive run at this year’s Australian Open.

Will Aryna Sabalenka win the Australian Open?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Aryna Sabalenka plays a backhand in the Semifinal singles match against Magda Linette of Poland during day 11 of the 2023 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Sabalenka has finally broken her Grand Slam semi-final curse, having failed on all three of her previous attempts to reach a final.

The 24-year-old is in scintillating form, winning all 10 of her matches this year without dropping a single set. Particularly improved is her serve, which sabotaged Sabalenka’s performances at times last season.

It could be argued that Rybakina’s run to the final was more challenging, but this will do little to impact the world number five’s confidence as she aims to win her first Grand Slam.

In contrast to her opponent, Sabalenka wears her heart on her sleeve on court, often yelling loudly in delight or frustration. This can sometimes be of detriment, so she will need to keep her head to deal with Rybakina’s powerful play.