Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Australian Open

Prediction published on 26/01/2023, 08:49  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 27/01/2023 at 19:30 in Tennis Predictions

Fifth seeded Aryna Sabalenka has finally reached a Grand Slam final and takes on Elena Rybakina for the Australian Open. Sabalenka is the highest remaining seed in the tournament and seeded 17 places above her opponent. The Belarusian had made three previous appearances in the last four of a Grand Slam (including the last two US Opens) but never made it into a final. That's all changed in Melbourne where she'd previously failed to get past the fourth round in six Australian Open performances. 2023 has seen her get off to a great start and the win over Magda Linette in the last four was her tenth win out of ten in singles matches this year. Not just that but all ten of those wins have been achieved without losing a set. Only 34 games have been dropped by Sabalenka in her six matches in this tournament. The first Adelaide International tournament has already been won by Sabalenka who is currently top of the live WTA Race. Overall, her ranking has risen to second but still over 4000 points behind Iga Swiatek.

A win for 22nd seeded Elena Rybakina would mean she's won two of the last three Grand Slam tournaments. Last year saw Rybakina win the Wimbledon title but if she wants to win this title, the 22 year-old will have to beat her opponent for the first time. All three previous matches against Sabalenka have been lost, including two in 2021 with one being at Wimbledon. All three matches played between these two players have gone to a final set. Rybakina has showed a return to the form that won her the Wimbledon title last year. Form since then had been a bit disappointing with only one WTA 250 title won.  In the warm-up tournaments played earlier this month, one saw Rybakina lose to a player ranked outside the top 100. That's probably forgotten now as she's showed much improved form in the Australian Open where she'd previously never made it past the third round. Notable wins have come against Madison Keys (seeded tenth), third seeded Jessica Pegula and 24th seeded Victoria Azarenka. Only one set has been dropped by her in this tournament but Sabalenka is in top form and is our tip to win this final.