"I was feeling bad about that, I didn't watch Wimbledon" - Sabalenka on facing Wimbledon champion Rybakina
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka confessed to not watching much of Elena Rybakina's Wimbledon final last year ahead of her meeting with the Kazakhstani in the Australian Open final.
Sabalenka reached her maiden Grand Slam final after beating Magda Linette in the semifinal. The No. 5 seed was a heavy favorite against the Pole but had to work hard in the opening set of her 7-6, 6-2 triumph.
Rybakina ended hopes of an all-Belarusian final. She overcame Victoria Azarenka, the 2012 and 2013 Australian Open champion, to progress to a second major final and set up a meeting against Sabalenka at the Rod Laver Arena.
Incredibly, neither woman dropped a set during their runs to the final. That means no one could credibly argue that they are not the deserving finalists. Hopefully, the pair produce a memorable contest for fans worldwide on Saturday.
Rybakina proved her ability to perform on the most significant stage in last year's Wimbledon final against Ons Jabeur. She trailed the Tunisian by a set but rebounded spectacularly to win the final two sets and claim the title.
Unfortunately for Sabalenka, she could not compete at last year's Wimbledon because of the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players. The 24-year-old admitted to barely watching the final or tournament as a whole because it was too painful.
"Oh, no, I didn't watch Wimbledon last year. I was feeling really bad about that, and I didn't watch Wimbledon at all. I mean, little bit the final just because I was working out in the gym. I saw a little bit. It was great tennis."
Many see similarities between Sabalenka and Rybakina in terms of their play style, and the world no. 5 was also asked about that after beating Linette in the semifinal.
"I don't know. Maybe you tell me what you think (laughter). Probably. I think it's just different. Like she play a little bit, like, flat, I maybe spin a little bit more. I think that's the different. Well, it's not going to make things easier. It's a final. It's not going to be easy match, you know? But I just happy that I made this, like, next step. I know that I have to work for that title."
