Tennis-Keys stands between Sabalenka and third straight Australian Open title
By Shrivathsa Sridhar
MELBOURNE, – Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will battle American nineteenth seed Madison Keys within the ultimate on Saturday trying to develop into the primary lady since Martina Hingis from 1997-99 to win the Australian Open title 3 times in a row.
Additionally on Saturday, the boys’s doubles ultimate sees Italians Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori tackle Briton Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara of Finland.
‘THREE-PEAT’ DREAM CAN BECOME REALITY FOR SABALENKA
Sabalenka would be the overwhelming favorite to defeat Keys and full the “three-peat” after prevailing in 4 of their 5 earlier conferences, with the Belarusian slowly and steadily discovering her finest type within the main that has outlined her profession.
Though she has not proven the identical type of devastating type as her final two Melbourne Park campaigns, Sabalenka’s psychological toughness, consistency and sheer energy have come to the fore at essential instances.
Victory on Saturday would see her develop into the sixth lady to win three straight Australian Open titles, becoming a member of Margaret Courtroom, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Hingis.
“It is loopy that I am in a state of affairs the place I’ve an opportunity to place my title subsequent to legends,” stated Sabalenka, who’s bidding for her fourth Grand Slam title after successful the 2024 U.S. Open.
“I could not dream about that. It should imply loads.”
The primary world primary to achieve the ultimate at Melbourne Park since native favorite Ash Barty in 2022, Sabalenka can count on enormous help as she goes for her twenty first straight win on Rod Laver Enviornment.
“I simply really feel at residence,” Sabalenka added.
“Final yr I assumed, ‘Okay, I really feel at residence, I really feel so good right here, I really feel all of the help’. This yr I really feel it much more. It looks like coming residence to my residence Slam.”
KEYS READY TO SPRING ONE MORE SURPRISE
Regardless of a formidable begin to 2025, few would have anticipated Keys to get this far however the 29-year-old is a worthy finalist having overwhelmed world quantity two Iga Swiatek within the final 4.
Swiatek was the third prime 10 seed to lose to Keys after the American defeated sixth seed Elena Rybakina within the final 16 and tenth seed Danielle Collins within the third spherical.
Keys misplaced to compatriot Sloane Stephens in her solely earlier journey to a Grand Slam ultimate on the 2017 U.S. Open, and the Adelaide champion is aware of she must elevate her sport to a unique stage to face an opportunity in opposition to Sabalenka on Saturday.
The Belarusian was up in opposition to her finest pal Paula Badosa within the semi-finals however confirmed the Spaniard no mercy on the best way to her fifth straight hardcourt main ultimate.
“What’s actually spectacular is her mentality,” Keys stated.
“Her capability to at all times go for it, it doesn’t matter what the rating is, is admittedly spectacular. She performs such fearless tennis and has the flexibility to play so nicely that method. It’s extremely distinctive.”
Keys confirmed simply how harmful she could be when she blanked Sabalenka within the opening set of their U.S. Open semi-final two years in the past, earlier than finally dropping the following two in tiebreaks.
Taking part in at her forty sixth Grand Slam event, she’s going to bid to develop into the fifth U.S. participant since 2000 to win an Australian Open title after Lindsay Davenport , Jennifer Capriati , Serena Williams and Sofia Kenin .
“She’s enjoying unimaginable tennis as nicely,” Sabalenka stated of fellow big-hitter Keys, who can be on a 11-match successful streak this season.
“She’s a really aggressive participant, serving nicely, shifting nicely. I noticed her matches right here. She’s in an excellent form. It should be an excellent battle.”
AUSTRALIAN OPEN ORDER OF PLAY ON SATURDAY
Right here is the order of play on the principle showcourts on the 14th day of the Australian Open :
ROD LAVER ARENA
Evening session
1-Aryna Sabalenka v 19-Madison Keys
3-Simone Bolelli / Andrea Vavassori v 6-Henry Patten / Harri Heliovaara
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