Elena Rybakina booked her place in the second Australian Open final of her career after a straight sets victory against Jessica Pegula.
The world number five looked like she was going to make light work of Pegula, although she did need a second set tie-break to confirm the victory.
Rybakina could have an ‘advantage’ over Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final as they meet for the first time since the WTA Finals.
The Kazakhstani star has confirmed what she will absolutely need to improve if she wants to defeat the world number one.
Elena Rybakina shares the improvement she has to make against Aryna Sabalenka
Rybakina was delighted to defeat Pegula in the semi-final, but she instantly turned her attention toward Sabalenka.
Speaking on-court at the Rod Laver Arena, she said: “I am happy that the match started really well compared to previous matches I played, so a lot of positives to take.
“I just need some rest. It was a great battle. I think in the end she played a bit better and she won that match, very deserved. I want to enjoy the final.
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“Hopefully I will serve better than today and that is going to help me but I’m so excited to play. I think we will keep the routine. I am going to come here tomorrow and practice for a little bit, of course work with the physio.
“And also maybe I will go to the city and do a bit of shopping! I need to refresh my brain for the match but probably some simple stuff.”
Rybakina has also defeated Iga Swiatek, Elise Mertens, Tereza Valentova, and Varvara Gracheva without dropping a set.
Elena Rybakina’s head-to-head record with Aryna Sabalenka ahead of the Australian Open final
The Australian Open, across the men and women’s draw, has been far from competitive in the latter stages of the tournament.
Both Sabalenka and Rybakina are yet to drop a set at the tournament, despite playing several top 10 players.
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Nevertheless, the Australian Open final should be a close clash, if the pair’s head-to-head record is anything to go by.
Sabalenka and Rybakina have played each other 14 times on the WTA Tour, with the Belarusian star narrowly leading the head-to-head with eight wins.
However, Rybakina won their last meeting at the WTA Finals. She swept aside the world number one in straight sets to lift the trophy.
