2 hours ago
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Sabalenka 0-1 Rybakina* (* denotes server): Here we go. It’s Rybakina to unleash her monster serve … it’s a thumping backhand that gives her the first point. A forehand down the line takes her to 40-15 but she then goes long twice to keep Sabalenka in the hunt. At deuce comes a terrific serve out wide and Rybakina ensures there’s no early slip-up.
Laura Robson is backing Rybakina; Tim Henman says it’s Sabalenka’s. The world No 1 has never won this comp, finishing as runner-up in 2022 to Caroline Garcia.
The players walk on to the techno club floor/tennis court. We’ll get going very shortly.
Sabalenka leads the head-to-head with Rybakina 8-5; the former triumphed in straight sets when they met at Wuhan last month.
The ATP show kicks off tomorrow.
Preamble
It’s a fitting climax. The two players have come through the tournament unbeaten, battling through three sets in the semis. For Aryna Sabalenka this could be a wonderful way to wrap up a blistering year: one of three grand slam finals, another US Open title and her place secure as the world No 1.
Elena Rybakina, however, has found some serious form. Her title in Ningbo last month has been backed up by wins against Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova in Riyadh. This is her chance to get back at the player who denied her an Australian Open triumph in 2023. We’ll get going at 4pm GMT.
