By the end of the encounter, Sabalenka tallied 51 winners and 28 unforced errors, while the Wimbledon 2022 champion countered with 31 and 25.
Indeed, the AO 23 women’s final won’t soon be forgotten. Russell Crowe was one of those lucky enough to be at Rod Laver Arena to witness the gladiatorial duel of the highest quality.
“I want to say sorry for my English because I’m still shaking,” Sabalenka said as she was presented with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Trophy by icon Billie Jean King.
“I’m super nervous. It’s such an inspiration to receive this trophy from you. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for our sport.”
Sabalenka then turned her attentions towards Rybakina, and echoed the thoughts of an enthralled audience at Rod Laver Arena, and the millions watching worldwide.
“You’re such a great player,” she said.
“Of course we are going to have many more battles, hopefully in the finals of a Grand Slam.”
The build-up
Something had to give on Saturday, given the duo’s impressive path to the final.
Rybakina became the first women’s player since Jennifer Capriati in 2001 to beat three Grand Slam winners in one edition of the Australian Open in Iga Swiatek, Jelena Ostapenko and Victoria Azarenka.
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