Elena Rybakina is preparing for a rematch of the 2023 Australian Open final after defeating Jessica Pegula in the semifinals. Rybakina, seeded number 5, defeated Pegula, number 6, with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (7) in a match that maintained tension until the end. The Kazakhstani tennis player wasted three match points on Pegula’s serve and then suffered two breaks on her own serve. In the tiebreak, Pegula had two set points, but couldn’t convert them. Rybakina finally secured the victory, 29 minutes after her first match point.
Pegula, for her part, commented on the intensity of the game.Really, very stressful. I am proud regardless of the situation. I stood firm. I was fighting for every point.
Elena Rybakina
Rybakina will face Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, in the final. Sabalenka defeated Elina Svitolina with a score of 6-2, 6-3, moving closer to her third Australian Open title in four years. Sabalenka’s first title at the Australian Open was a comeback victory over Rybakina, with the Belarusian winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.Sometimes, when you’re on the brink of losing it all, you get a little bit of clarity because you think, ‘Screw it, I’m going to try to stay in this.’ I played a couple of really good points to save match points, and she missed a few short balls… a couple of free points to take some pressure off.
Jessica Pegula
Rybakina has mentioned that she learned a lot from that match. She also comes from a victory over Sabalenka in the decisive match of the WTA Finals in November.It was a great battle. In the end, she played a little better and deserved it. I want to enjoy the final and, hopefully, I will be able to serve better than today.
Elena Rybakina
I could only take positive things from that week. This is what I’m trying to do… remembering good things from this WTA final.
Elena Rybakina
