Aryna Sabalenka 1-2 Elena Rybakina*Rybakina scorches the forehand return inside-in. This is a major test for Sabalenka now, either to try and ride out this storm or overturn it. She fires a forehand winner and then survives as Rybakina lined up the backhand return down the line. Sabalenka fires the ace to hold and get some relief. (AP)Jamie Braidwood31 January 2026 08:55 *Aryna Sabalenka 0-2 Elena RybakinaRybakina fires the ace on the opening point. No wonder Sabalenka is already looking a little rattled. A couple of errors from Sabalenka bring up 40-0, then she fires out on the return. (REUTERS)(AP)Jamie Braidwood31 January 2026 08:52BREAK! Aryna Sabalenka 0-1 Elena Rybakina*Remarkable start from Rybakina. Sabalenka made five or six first-serves in a row but Rybakina returned with interest. On deuce, Sabalenka hits out and brings up a second break point. She can’t find the first-serve this time, and Rybakina’s return forces Sabalenka wide on the forehand. Jamie Braidwood31 January 2026 08:49*Aryna Sabalenka 0-0 Elena RybakinaNo wonder Sabalenka wanted to start on serve. She finds three in a row to start, looking confident. A wide serve is followed by a forehand winner, then an ace. But Rybakina sends a huge statement on the return! Wow. She blasts the forehand crosscourt return back past Sabalenka’s ankles. A second winner from Rybakina! Then, on 30-30, takes on the forehand down the line, break point! Sabalenka finds another first serve, goes wide, and Rybakina’s backhand drifts out. Jamie Braidwood31 January 2026 08:48*Aryna Sabalenka 0-0 Elena RybakinaLet’s go. Let’s hope for a big-hitting final, and three sets? Both Sabalenka and Rybakina have reached the final without dropping a set. It would be great for this to go the distance, like 2023. Sabalenka will serve to get us started. (AFP via Getty Images)Jamie Braidwood31 January 2026 08:45*Aryna Sabalenka 0-0 Elena Rybakina Here we go! Three years on, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina are back in the Australian Open final.The Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup is present at the coin toss. Sabalenka wins the toss and will serve. (Getty Images)Jamie Braidwood31 January 2026 08:40Aryna Sabalenka v Elena RybakinaThe big news in Melbourne is the Rod Laver Arena roof is closed. That is due to wet weather. It means the Australian Open final will be played in indoor conditions. The last time Rybakina and Sabalenka met in indoor conditions was at the WTA Finals in November, which Rybakina won in…
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2026-01-31 08:45:59
