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Elena Rybakina charge for first Australian and second Grand Slam title on course, after defeating two-time champion, Victoria Azarenka.
Wimbledon Champion Elena Rybakina defeated two-time Australian Open Champion Victoria Azarenka 7-6(4) 6-3 to reach first Australian Open final and a second Grand Slam final in the last three Majors.
The Kazakh didn't start on a bright note, with her serves letting her down and Azarenka getting the first break of the match for a 3-2 lead. But she bounced back immediately, getting the break right back at 3-3.
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Rybakina broke for a 5-3 lead, giving thoughts on Azarenka rueing not holding on to her break earlier. A good fight from Azarenka, holding to level things up at 5-5.
However, Rybakina saved multiple break points and hold for 6-5, then Azarenka leveled up at 6-6 to force a tiebreak, which Rybakina won 7-6(4) to take the first set.
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Highlights of the set were service points won, which separated both and Rybakina with the advantage.
In the second set, Rybakina was ruthless after getting the first break point. Then several break points, and she served for the match at 5-2. She was broken serving the match at 5-3 but later sealed it to take the needed victory in straight sets.
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Rybakina's run in Melbourne has been exceptional, proving with each game that her win in Wimbledon was no fluke. This time she's being awarded points and will be in a good ranking spot whether she wins the title or not.
Meanwhile, it's a tournament to be proud of for Azarenka, who is a Slam contender again and playing some incredible tennis. The 33-year-old has more to offer as the year progresses.
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Rybakina will face the winner between Magda Linette and Aryna Sabalenka.
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