Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina and tennis in perfection
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina promoted tennis in the women's final of the Australian Open.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Jan 28, 2023, 08:03 pm
After the epic five-set match between Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis, colleague Michael Rothschädl wrote of a "really big advertisement for tennis" . Only: It should be one of the very few highlights of this year's Australian Open. Because with a few exceptions, what was offered in Melbourne was not able to inspire the viewers in the long term.
Until, yes, until the women's final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina took place on Saturday. Both players simply showed tennis from another planet in the Rod Laver Arena and gave the fans one of the best Grand Slam finals in a long time.
Sabalenka proves extra class
This was particularly impressive because Sabalenka was in her first major final ever. In the past, the Belarusian was often broken under pressure, but she proved her top class in Melbourne. So it's no wonder that Sabalenka spoke of the "best match" of her career after the final .
Not significantly worse than Sabalenka was Rybakina on that memorable Saturday night. The Kazakh - still dubbed a one-hit wonder in many places after last year's triumph in Wimbledon - stood up to her opponent to the end and almost managed the turnaround. What could have happened if Sabalenka hadn't unpacked an outstanding serve in the third set with a score of 5: 4 and a breakball against himself?
Impressive numbers
A quick look at the numbers underscores the exceptional quality of the endgame. While Rybakina recorded a strong 31 winners and 25 unforced errors, Sabalenka recorded an incredible 51 direct point shots with only 28 unforced errors. Remarkable!
The almost kitschy picture was rounded off by the statements of the two protagonists after the finale. Sabalenka praised Rybakina, Rybakina praised Sabalenka. At least one had the feeling that they were sincere words. One can only hope that the Australian Open final was not the last major final between these two model athletes.
Here is the individual tableau in Melbourne
laver arena