After two weeks of epic battles in Oceania, the women’s draw of theAustralian Open will deliver its verdict on Saturday morning. Aryna Sabalenkaworld number 1, double title holder and favorite since the start of the competition, will aim for the hat-trick against the surprising Madison Keyssemi-finalist in 2015 and 2022 and winner ofIga Swiatek. An unexpected final but which promises to be beautiful between two very powerful players. The Belarusian won four of her first five duels against the American, but a Major final is always different. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning.
Video – Aryna Sabalenka races towards hat-trick in Melbourne
Find the men’s draw for the Australian Open here
Find the women’s draw for the Australian Open here
The invincible Aryna and a smooth journey to the final
It’s as if the pressure no longer exists on the shoulders ofAryna Sabalenkawho in just a few years has become a player with total confidence, sure of her strengths and effective in decisive moments. This was not always the case. Double title holder Melbournethe Belarusian had to carry the heavy burden of “the greatest favorite”. Nothing destabilized him. “I feel at home here” she confided Thursday. Sacred to Brisbane a few days before the tournament, the world No. 1 only conceded five games against Sloane Stephensthen eight against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and ten facing Clara Tauson. In eighth grade, she gave an unexpected recital in front of Mirra Andreeva (6-1, 6-2), before conceding his first set against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkovaand to unfold against her best friend Paula Badosa. The hat-trick is more than achievable. It would be the first in Australia since Martina Hingis (1997, 1998, 1999).
Keys, the key to success?
Rarely considered a favorite, Madison Keys sometimes experiences unexpected flashes. This was the case at Melbourne in 2015 and 2022 where she was invited to the last four, to Roland-Garros 2018 or laterUS Open in 2017 and its final, or 2018 and 2023 with two good halves. And a few days before her 30th birthday, the American offers herself a second Major final. His power did damage throughout the fortnight. Can attest to this Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina et Iga Swiatekall eliminated by the 14th player in the world. She will be 8th on Monday, or 7th in the event of a title, just to match her best ranking that she had experienced… in 2016. The step will be very high this Saturday, but when Keys’ forehands enter the court, anything can happen.
The grand final of the Australian Open this Saturday
-Rod Laver Arena
From 9:30 am
[1] Aryna Sabalenka (BIE) – [19] Madison Keys (USA)
