Sabalenka duplicates Hingis with fourth straight AO final

Aryna Sabalenka dominated Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 to reach her fourth consecutive final at the Australian Open on Thursday.

The pair from opposing sides of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine did not shake hands before the match as has been the custom for players from the opposing countries.

Svitolina refused to have a pre-match photo taken with the top seed as well.

Sabalenka will on Saturday face the winner from the evening’s second semi-final between former finalist Elena Rybakina and American sixth seed Jessica Pegula.

The player into her 75th week as world No. 1 and holder of four Grand Slam titles become he first to reach four straight Melbourne finals since Swiss Martina Hingis nearly three decades ago.

“I would never have thought I could make it to the top 10 and be this consistent,” the winner said. “It’s a dream life, I’m so grateful.”

Sabalenka began with a comeback from 40-15 down in her first service game as the match began on serve before the world No. 1 broke for 3-1. 

Sabalenka was called for hindrance for vocalising after a shot, with the point penalty upheld.

She shrugged off the minor setback, increasing her lead to 4-1 before wrapping up the set and leaving no room for her opponent in the second set to advance to another title match at Melbourne Park.

Svitolina, who defeated two top 10 opponents on her way to her first semi-final here, ended with just 12 winners to the 29 of Sabalenka.

“She has played incredible this tournament,” Sabalenka said. “I knew I would have to step in and put as much pressure on her as possible.

“My level was there today,. I played some great tennis and I’m happy to get this win in straight sets.”

Main photo:-Aryna Sabalenka in control on Rod Laver Arena – by ISF Ltd