MELBOURNE, Australia — It will be strength against strength and power against power in the Australian Open women’s singles final on Saturday.
Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka, both 6-footers from Eastern Europe, have thunderous first serves and fast-paced groundstrokes, and are hard-wired to go for winners.
But this Grand Slam final will also be a contrast in personalities.
Rybakina is self-contained and difficult to read, maintaining an even keel throughout her matches. She reacted to her 7-6 (4), 6-3 semifinal victory against Victoria Azarenka with a clenched fist and only a hint of a smile, at least until the postmatch interview.