Melbourne, Jan. 29 -- World number one Aryna Sabalenka and fifth seed Elena Rybakina will once again square off for the Australian Open title after dominant semifinal victories on Thursday.
It will be a rematch of the 2023 final, where Rybakina was left heartbroken after Sabalenka came from behind in a three-set classic.
Both players will enter in prime form having not lost a set in the tournament as the one-sided matches at Rod Laver Arena continued much to the chagrin of fans.
Sabalenka dominated 12th-seeded Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 in just 76 minutes.
Sabalenka whacked 29 winners to thwart veteran Svitolina's bid for a maiden grand slam final as her stirring start to the year ended in tame fashion.
Sabalenka will start the final as ...