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*Sabalenka 2-4 Rybakina (* denotes server): A deep backhand by Rybakina sets her up for a forehand winner … and Sabalenka goes long to make it 0-30. An awry forehand later, it’s 0-40 … and Rybakina converts immediately after some brilliant scrambling! Sabalenka nets the overhead shot and Rybakina has the first break of the match.
Sabalenka 2-3 Rybakina* (* denotes server): At 15-30, Sabalenka has an opening. Rybakina advances to the net and is so very nearly beaten by a backhand pass … but she gets the ball to drop and level up at 30-all. A whippy forehand moves Sabalenka to break point. She can’t convert before Rybakina delivers a second-serve ace, surprising her opponent with the wide hit. Then comes another delicious serve.
*Sabalenka 2-2 Rybakina (* denotes server): Rybakina’s forehand return goes wild as Sabalenka holds to love.
Sabalenka 1-2 Rybakina* (* denotes server): At 30-all, Rybakina unleashes an ace down the T, then one out wide. Dominant work.
*Sabalenka 1-1 Rybakina (* denotes server): Rybakina pings a vicious, flat forehand return but Sabalenka has the power to reclaim control and win the point. Rybakina’s down-the-line forehand is in good order, though, and it takes her to deuce before Sabalenka, trapped on the baseline, finds the net. Break point. Sabalenka is forced to fight hard in a lengthy rally, and unleashes a roar after a backhand winner. She holds, just.
Sabalenka 0-1 Rybakina* (* denotes server): Here we go. It’s Rybakina to unleash her monster serve … it’s a thumping backhand that gives her the first point. A forehand down the line takes her to 40-15 but she then goes long twice to keep Sabalenka in the hunt. At deuce comes a terrific serve out wide and Rybakina ensures there’s no early slip-up.
Laura Robson is backing Rybakina; Tim Henman says it’s Sabalenka’s. The world No 1 has never won this comp, finishing as runner-up in 2022 to Caroline Garcia.
The players walk on to the techno club floor/tennis court. We’ll get going very shortly.
Sabalenka leads the head-to-head with Rybakina 8-5; the former triumphed in straight sets when they met at Wuhan last month.
The ATP show kicks off tomorrow.
Preamble
It’s a fitting climax. The two players have come through the tournament unbeaten, battling through three sets in the semis. For Aryna Sabalenka this could be a wonderful way to wrap up a blistering year: one of three grand slam finals, another US Open title and her place secure as the world No 1.
Elena Rybakina, however, has found some serious form. Her title in Ningbo last month has been backed up by wins against Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova in Riyadh. This is her chance to get back at the player who denied her an Australian Open triumph in 2023. We’ll get going at 4pm GMT.
