Elena Rybakina had an excellent Australian Open preparation by winning the Brisbane International, and Martina Navratilova thinks it makes her the favorite.
Before this season began, many considered Iga Swiatek to be the favorite to win the Australian Open. The memory of her dominating the WTA Finals was just too strong to ignore.
Nowadays, there are a few names in the mix. Aryna Sabalenka started well and will certainly be in the mix. Elena Rybakina made the final last year and started this year incredibly by winning the Brisbane International trophy.
She bested Sabalenka 6-0 6-3 in that final, and Navratilova was so impressed that she now considers her the top favorite to win the first Grand Slam of the year, as she revealed in a talk with the official website of WTA.
"She dropped, what, 15 games in five matches to open the season? She’s been serving great. After losing the final last year, she’ll be super motivated. So, I think for me, she’s the favorite right now."
The form is not the only reason Navratilova favors Rybakina over someone like Swiatek. The Polish player started the year with five wins as well, her best-ever start, but the court seems to fit Rybakina's style a little bit better. That and the form is what ultimately Navratilova thinks pushes Rybakina ahead.
"Because the surface suits her better than Swiatek. And she’s got to have a lot of confidence about the way she played, dominating and being healthy. It’s between Swiatek and Rybakina."
We'll see what happens in the coming days, but Rybakina has given Swiatek some problems in the best. She's bested her a few times and can certainly do the same in Melbourne.
Other players like Sabalenka and Coco Gauff will also be in the mix, so get ready for a superb fortnight of tennis. And let us know below who you think is the favorite.
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