Tennis Australian Open Women's Singles -

‘Two best players in the world’ meeting in Australian Open 2026 women's final, but who has the edge? Aryna Sabalenka v Elena Rybakina preview

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Aryna Sabalenka has reached her fourth straight Australian Open final, having won the title in two of the past three seasons. She will play Elena Rybakina for the trophy, who is herself a former Grand Slam champion, having won Wimbledon in 2022. It is sure to be a blockbuster final, with both players coming through their semi-finals in straight sets. But who has the edge ahead of Saturday’s final?

'The two best players in the world right now' - Experts preview women's final

Video credit: TNT Sports

The first women’s Grand Slam final of the year sees world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka play Elena Rybakina for the Australian Open title - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Sabalenka has been in imperious form in Melbourne as she so often is, reaching her fourth straight final here as she hunts for a fifth hard court major title.

She dispatched Elina Svitolina in straight sets 6-2 6-3 in their semi-final, with Rybakina having a slightly tougher outing against Jessica Pegula, coming through a 6-3 7-6(7) winner.

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Sabalenka beat Rybakina when the two met on Rod Laver Arena back in 2023 for her maiden Grand Slam title, but it is the world No. 5 who won their most recent encounter at the World Tour Finals at the end of last season.

There, Rybakina ran out a 6-3 7-6(0) winner, which leaves Sabalenka leading their head-to-head 8-6.

So, who is going to come out on top, and how significant was that victory for Rybakina last season?

'It was such a battle' says Rybakina who is 'so excited' to face Sabalenka in final

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"You should gain confidence," explained Jamie Murray. "It was pretty much the last tournament of the year and she beat her, so she is definitely taking that with her when she walks on the court [on Saturday].

"I give a slight edge to Sabalenka. I don’t think there is [much] in it. I think it depends on who executes best, and who serves and gets that ball in play.

"I think it is very interesting. For me, it is probably the two best players in the world going against each other and I think that is super exciting for a Grand Slam final."

With so many straight set victories in the Australian Open this year - neither Sabalenka nor Rybakina have dropped a set in reaching the final - the question turns to whether this match will deliver the blockbuster thriller the fans deserve.

"If Rybakina doesn’t get her first serve in order, it’s not going to be," was Coco Vandeweghe’s take. "But that is going to be the big question mark.

"I think there is absolute potential for it to be a really big blockbuster. But that first serve really needs to get in, in order for Rybakina to have that confidence and the say in this match. That has been so tough for both of them."

Highlights: Sabalenka powers past Svitolina to reach fourth-straight final

Video credit: TNT Sports

The duo have similar styles of play, relying on huge serves to dictate from the back of the court. Both are comfortable engaging in rallies, but both can come forward when needed.

"They want to be the one bossing the points, being proactive rather than defensive, trying to get the ball back in play," added Tim Henman.

"They have been the two best players. I think the way Rybakina finished last year, winning in Riyadh, tour-ending championships, she played brilliantly.

"She has continued that, so fingers crossed, I’d really love to see a classic.

"There has been some good tennis - there has been some very good tennis from one side of the net - but we haven’t had any of those three-set epics, so hopefully Saturday can be that."

While Sabalenka’s semi-final was relatively straightforward, Rybakina was made to really work for her straight sets win, with Pegula taking her into a second set tie-break.

But the former Wimbledon champion held firm to come through in one hour 40 minutes.

And while she might have a similar style of play to Sabalenka, Rybakina has a very different on-court demeanour - something Pegula highlighted as she analysed why the world No. 5 is so difficult to face.

Sabalenka reacts to drama with umpire over 'hindrance' grunting call

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"She's so chill. She doesn't really give you anything, and I think that's hard sometimes," the American explained in her press conference.

"You're not really sure if she's upset or if she's excited or what it is. I think in today's game that goes a long way.

"You don't really have a lot of energy to play off of, so I think that's always kind of her No. 1 thing. I think her serve and return, she just puts so much pressure on you.

"We've already seen her beat Aryna before somewhat recently, and I think she's one of the best players in the world when she's healthy and confident, and right now it seems like she is.

"It will be an interesting final."

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