Rybakina Braces for Rematch Against Sabalenka as Australian Open Title Looms Large
Elena Rybakina, the Kazakh fifth seed, has narrowly escaped a grueling comeback from American sixth seed Jessica Pegula in their 1hr 40min arm-wrestle at the Australian Open. The thrilling match saw Rybakina's determination and resilience pay off as she emerged victorious with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6 (9/7), booking her spot in the championship match against Belarusian world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
Rybakina, who has been on a sizzling hot form lately, had initially dominated the first set before Pegula staged an impressive comeback. The American saved three match points on her own serve but couldn't quite hold onto it as Rybakina broke back to level the score at one set apiece.
In a tense and closely contested second set, Rybakina's high-powered groundstrokes proved too much for Pegula, who ultimately fell short of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. The American saved three match points but Pegula's unrelenting spirit was soon to be rewarded with another lifeline as she broke Rybakina's serve to level the score at one set all.
The writing was on the wall as Rybakina surged forward, winning 22 consecutive matches after taking the first set. However, it wasn't until Pegula pulled off a stunning break that the match entered a thrilling tiebreaker. The American rallied behind her before ultimately succumbing to Rybakina's cool and collected demeanor.
Rybakina will now face Sabalenka for a second time in less than a year after the Belarusian had previously outmaneuvered her at the Australian Open last year, claiming the title by rallying from a set down. The Kazakh is eager to exact revenge but acknowledges that she must improve upon her previous performance.
"It was a great battle and I think just in the end she played a bit better and she won that match, very deserved," Rybakina said about their 2023 Melbourne decider. "I want to enjoy the final and, hopefully, I'm going to serve better than today and it's going to help me."
Rybakina is riding high on her recent form, having defeated Sabalenka at the WTA Finals in November and winning 19 of her last 20 matches. The Kazakh is now looking to cap off an incredible run with a second Grand Slam title.
As she prepares for the Australian Open final, Rybakina will be determined to draw inspiration from her previous match against Pegula, where she displayed immense resilience and grit.
Elena Rybakina, the Kazakh fifth seed, has narrowly escaped a grueling comeback from American sixth seed Jessica Pegula in their 1hr 40min arm-wrestle at the Australian Open. The thrilling match saw Rybakina's determination and resilience pay off as she emerged victorious with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6 (9/7), booking her spot in the championship match against Belarusian world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
Rybakina, who has been on a sizzling hot form lately, had initially dominated the first set before Pegula staged an impressive comeback. The American saved three match points on her own serve but couldn't quite hold onto it as Rybakina broke back to level the score at one set apiece.
In a tense and closely contested second set, Rybakina's high-powered groundstrokes proved too much for Pegula, who ultimately fell short of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. The American saved three match points but Pegula's unrelenting spirit was soon to be rewarded with another lifeline as she broke Rybakina's serve to level the score at one set all.
The writing was on the wall as Rybakina surged forward, winning 22 consecutive matches after taking the first set. However, it wasn't until Pegula pulled off a stunning break that the match entered a thrilling tiebreaker. The American rallied behind her before ultimately succumbing to Rybakina's cool and collected demeanor.
Rybakina will now face Sabalenka for a second time in less than a year after the Belarusian had previously outmaneuvered her at the Australian Open last year, claiming the title by rallying from a set down. The Kazakh is eager to exact revenge but acknowledges that she must improve upon her previous performance.
"It was a great battle and I think just in the end she played a bit better and she won that match, very deserved," Rybakina said about their 2023 Melbourne decider. "I want to enjoy the final and, hopefully, I'm going to serve better than today and it's going to help me."
Rybakina is riding high on her recent form, having defeated Sabalenka at the WTA Finals in November and winning 19 of her last 20 matches. The Kazakh is now looking to cap off an incredible run with a second Grand Slam title.
As she prepares for the Australian Open final, Rybakina will be determined to draw inspiration from her previous match against Pegula, where she displayed immense resilience and grit.
man she's been on fire lately but you know what's even more impressive is how she bounces back from those tough matches like that arm-wrestle with Pegula 
I mean think about it, the mental game is just as crucial as physical skill in sports. It's all about who can keep their cool under pressure and stay focused on their goal. Rybakina's got the determination, but what sets her apart is how she learns from those losses too 
She's been on fire and has got this Australian Open thing wrapped up around her finger 
. I mean, come on, 22 matches won in a row? That's just insane 
. But what impresses me the most is how she dug deep to win that nail-biting match against Jessica Pegula 
. She showed some serious grit and determination, and it was amazing to watch.
. She's been in her zone lately, and I'm not sure anyone can stop her 
Can't wait to see what happens in the final 
! I was on the edge of my seat when Jessica Pegula came back from 3 match points down 
. Rybakina's determination is truly inspiring 
. It'll be a great rematch! Aryna will have to bring her A-game if she wants to take down Rybakina 
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... wait no, actually I think she totally is! She's been on fire lately and has already taken down Sabalenka at the WTA Finals 
...
i mean, ryanikin's been on fire with those 22 consecutive wins but sabalenka's gonna give her a run for her money 
. I mean, three match points down and she still manages to turn it around? That's what I call heart 
.
. And hey, maybe Sabalenka got a little too comfortable last time around? Either way, I'm rooting for this Kazakh girl all the way 
. Rybakina's been on fire lately, winning 19 of her last 20 matches, so I'm rooting for her to bring home that second Grand Slam title 
. Now that she's set to face Sabalenka for the second time, I think we're in for a real treat! 
Those two are evenly matched and I can already imagine the drama 
. One thing is for sure, Rybakina needs to up her game if she wants to take down Aryna again - that lady's been on fire this year 
. But if anyone can do it, she can 
. The one they have now is pretty meh, all flexed-out arms and not much give. I bet Rybakina's got some sweet arm-wrestling moves though 
. Reminds me of when I was playing Mario Kart with my friends last weekend and I pulled off an epic comeback to win the tournament 
. My friend Alex is still salty about it...
). On a scale of 1 to 10, how many times can you say "arm-wrestle" before it starts getting old? 
. And let's not forget her impressive form recently - 19 wins in a row is no joke!