Rybakina Defeats Pegula, Advances to Australian Open Final Rematch 2023
Elena Rybakina has advanced to the Australian Open final after defeating Jessica Pegula. The match ended with a score of 6-3, 7-6(7). This victory marks Rybakina’s third career Grand Slam final and her first in three years.
Match Highlights
Rybakina faced a challenging match, saving two set points during a tense second-set tiebreak. Pegula, the No. 6 seed, attempted a strong comeback, having already achieved notable success by reaching the US Open final in 2024.
Key Moments
- Rybakina saved three match points while serving at 5-3 in the second set.
- Pegula broke Rybakina’s serve twice when she was attempting to close the match.
- The tiebreaker was closely contested, but Rybakina clinched it with her sixth ace.
Upcoming Final
The final will feature a rematch of the previous year’s encounter against Aryna Sabalenka. In 2023, Sabalenka claimed victory with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, earning her first major title.
Head-to-Head Record
| Player | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Rybakina | 6 | 8 |
| Sabalenka | 8 | 5 |
Unbeaten Streaks
Both players have reached the final without dropping a single set throughout the tournament. This feat is a rarity in Grand Slam history, last accomplished by Serena and Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2008.
Performance Summary
- Rybakina has won 19 of her last 20 matches since October.
- She has achieved victory in nine consecutive matches against Top 10 opponents.
This final not only highlights Rybakina’s resurgence but also sets the stage for a compelling rematch against Sabalenka. Fans can expect an exciting showdown as both players seek to solidify their legacies in women’s tennis.
