The women’s Australian Open finalists are set, and anticipation can begin building for what promises to be a thriller.
After all, despite this tournament having come under fire for its lack of drama and overall quality, we are surely guaranteed both in abundance when Aryna Sabalenka meets Elena Rybakina for the title.
It marks the repeat of the 2023 final, which was an enthralling match.
Fans will hope for much of the same.
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With Sabalenka beating Elina Svitolina and Rybakina bypassing Jessica Pegula, both finalists were able to exhibit exactly what makes them so great.
And, having watched both matches, Caroline Wozniacki came to a conclusion on who she thinks is taking the crown.
Caroline Wozniacki makes her women’s Australian Open final prediction
Speaking live on ESPN, she first previewed what she thinks will be an ‘exciting’ match.
The Danish retired tennis star stated: “It’s going to be so exciting. It’s two power hitters, like Mary Joe was saying, two heavyweights going head to head.”
She then made her prediction: “Having looked and seen both matches today, you’ve got to give the edge to Sabalenka. She’s been there before. She’s won the tournament multiple times. She has such an incredible winning record here in Australia. I think she’s the better player going into the finals, but you never know.
“Last time they played here, they had a great three-set match, 6 4 in the third. Nerves come into play. It’s going to be a fun match to watch.”
Elsewhere, Rybakina was told the advantage she’ll have over Sabalenka in the Australian Open final.
Aryna Sabalenka’s record in Grand Slam finals
Sabalenka will head into Saturday’s final as the far more experienced player, particularly at this level and this stage of a competition.
That being said, both have tasted the sheer euphoria of winning a Grand Slam title, as well as the bitter sting of losing one.
Who is your money on?
The Belarusian has competed in seven major finals across her glittering career, and currently boasts four titles.
Rybakina, meanwhile, won her 2022 Wimbledon final but lost the 2023 Australian Open final to Sabalenka, marking a 50% success rate at this stage.
It will be interesting to see whose record takes a hit on Saturday, in what should be a hard-hitting, all-action affair.
