Australian Open Update – Day 11 women’s singles

The Australian Open Women’s Singles competition has reached the semifinal stage, with two blockbuster matchups taking place. Defending Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina takes on veteran two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka.

Meanwhile red-hot Aryna Sabalenka will face unseeded shock semifinalist Magda Linette. We break down both semifinals, analyzing the key factors, players’ history against each other, and the latest results as Rybakina and Sabalenka advance. The two will battle Saturday for the Australian Open – women’s singles title.

Rybakina Playing With Something to Prove, Azarenka Finding Best Form

Rybakina has played like she has something to prove after being placed on a small court early on. She’s taken down top players since. Azarenka has also rediscovered strong form, beating quality opponents like Kenin, Keys and Pegula.

At her very best, Azarenka is a test for any opponent and while the 33-year-old is not quite the force she once was, she has managed to find the form approaching that which took her to two Australian Open titles.

Previous Meeting Went Rybakina’s Way, But Close Match Expected

The Kazakh ran out a dominant 6-3, 6-4 winner when these players clashed in Indian Wells in 2022, there only previous meeting, but Azarenka had barely played in the build-up to that contest. With her strong returning, Azarenka can challenge Rybakina’s serve.

While the Wimbledon champion is the more likely winner, Azarenka will relish the chance to go toe-to-toe with her from the baseline and the underdog is not without a chance.

Sabalenka Seeking First Slam Final, Linette a Surprise Underdog

World #5 Sabalenka is playing the best tennis of her career and has a great shot at her first Slam final. Unseeded Linette has shocked to make the semis.

Sabalenka began the season with a victory at the Adelaide International 1, where she didn’t drop a set, and she has been in similarly ruthless form at Melbourne Park, racking up five straight 2-0 victories, losing just 26 games in total.

Lopsided Head-to-Head in Sabalenka’s Favor

The pair have met twice before and Sabalenka dominated both clashes, winning 6-1, 6-3 in Tianjin, China, in 2018 and 6-2, 6-1 at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

That spells trouble for Linette, as does her opponent’s recent form both before and at the AO. A good option might be to have a punt on Sabalenka at odds of 1/1 to win the tournament.

Rybakina Beats Azarenka, Faces Sabalenka in Final

Rybakina has since beaten Azarenka, 7-6(4), 6-3. Sabalenka has beaten Linette 7-6(1), 6-2. These two players will now meet on Saturday for the finals.