The Kazakh prevailed over the four-time major winner to clinch her second Grand Slam trophy at January’s Australian Open.
Putting her analyst hat back on during her press conference, Sabalenka noted that the challenge of facing Rybakina is “all about the first few balls in every point. You know, if you dominate in those two points, I feel like most likely you’re gonna win the point.
“It’s very aggressive, very fast tennis. Yeah, if it’s her, I’m excited, actually.”
Not too long after Sabalenka finished her media commitments, Rybakina closed out Svitolina with a 7-5, 6-4 scoreline. Sabalenka is yet to drop a set through five matches and her only defeat in 17 contests so far in 2026 was that 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 defeat to one of her chief rivals at Melbourne Park.
