AUSTRALIAN OPEN. By Emiliano Naftali
The Kazakhstani player triumphed in her Australian Open semi-final against Jessica Pegula, sealing her spot in the championship match with a 6-3, 7-6(7) win on Thursday.
After claiming the year-end WTA Finals title at the end of the 2025 season, Rybakina moves into her first final at Melbourne Park since 2023 and is a match away from a first major title in four years.
Standing in the 2022 Wimbledon champion’s way is world No. 1 and two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, who outclassed Elina Svitolina to reach a fourth final in a row in Melbourne.
The 26-year-old’s reward is an all-or-nothing clash on Saturday against the Belarusian world number one, who shattered her dreams three years ago by rallying from a set down to lift the trophy.
“It was such a battle. It was an epic second set. I’m really glad I managed to win it,” she said.
“I’m really proud that no matter the situation, I was leading, and then, of course, it was very tight, I still stayed there. I was fighting for each point and just happy.