Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina yesterday beat Victoria Azarenka in straight sets to reach the Australian Open final and end the Belarusian’s dream of a third Melbourne title.
Rybakina won their semi-final 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 and is to meet Aryna Sabalenka or Magda Linette in tomorrow’s final.
Azarenka, who won the Grand Slam in 2012 and 2013, was beaten in 1 hour, 41 minutes in blustery conditions at Rod Laver Arena.
Photo: Reuters
The 22nd seed Rybakina had already beaten reigning French and US Open champion Iga Swiatek in the fourth round and 2017 Roland Garros winner Jelena Ostapenko in the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park.
After a tight first set, the 23-year-old stretched away to account for a third Grand Slam champion.
“I’m super happy to be in the final. Today it was a bit tougher for me because it was different conditions,” said Rybakina, who represents Kazakhstan. “I couldn’t play really aggressive tennis. The ball was not going so much, but I’m happy that in the end I managed to win. I’ll try my best in the final, of course.”
Rybakina won in straight sets when the pair played at Indian Wells last year, their only previous meeting.
Veteran Azarenka, 33, was largely on the back foot again against the grace and power of Rybakina, who was in her first Melbourne Park semi-final.
Rybakina reached the last four largely on the back of her powerful serving, having struck 35 aces in her five matches at Melbourne Park, more than any other player.
She started with a nervy double fault, but soon was back in the groove, launching three booming aces in a row to secure the opening game.
Azarenka withstood an early assault from Rybakina’s heavy, deep ground-strokes to force the first break point, which she converted with a high volley, only for her opponent to strike straight back.
Now powering winners off both wings and utilizing her wide reach, Rybakina broke a second time for 5-3.
Trying to close out, Rybakina’s first serve deserted her. Azarenka saved a set point then created two chances of her own, converting the second.
At 5-5 Rybakina’s second double fault gave 24th seed Azarenka three break points.
Rybakina showed why she is already a Grand Slam champion by averting the crisis and sealing the game with her sixth ace.
In a tight tiebreak Azarenka went long at 4-5 to give Rybakina two set points. She needed only one to go ahead after exactly an hour of play.
The aces and winners kept coming at the start of the second set, Azarenka getting more frustrated as she was broken to love to go 2-1 down.
Two double faults from Azarenka then gave Rybakina another opportunity, which she took for 5-2 and a chance to serve for a place in the final.
Nerves crept in on Rybakina’s normally reliable serve and a double fault gifted Azarenka a chance to extend the contest, which she took with a backhand-return winner.
Rybakina was not to be denied and broke again to reach her first Australian Open final.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely