Elena Rybakina v Aryna Sabalenka: Australian Open women’s singles final – live

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Sabalenka 1-3 *Rybakina

Can Rybakina force her advantage? Sabalenka’s radar seems a bit off, and she goes long for 30-0. Big serve forces 40-0. But Sabalenka then forces a long rally where she gets the better of things, before Rybakina’s raking backhand puts her in a commanding lead in the opening set.

Sabalenka* 1-2 Rybakina

Well, here we go, a break of serve. The Sabalenka serve initially looks to have recovered from that early double as she races to 40-0, though Rybakina uses its pace for a return winner on her forehand, and then, after a net cord, a walloping whipped forehand for 30-40. Then comes deuce, after another service return seen early. Then a double for a break point, and another skidding return forces an error.

Sabalenka 1-1 *Rybakina

Rybakina’s serve is not as mighty, but still pretty potent. Russell Crowe is looking on, as the Kazakh player gets to 40-15 and then game. Sisters, what we do in life… echoes in eternity.

Russell Crowe and his partner and fellow thespian Britney Theriot (centre) look engrossed at Rod Laver Arena. Photograph: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Sabalenka* 1-0 Rybakina

And away we go, and start with a double fault. Not the best start and one followed by an ace. And next a big serve, and a crashing forehand followup for 30-15. An ace gets the job done.

The players take to the court, Rybakina first, followed by Sabalenka. The trophy is in view of them as they enter the Rod Laver arena. They pose for photos, and the toss. Sabalenka will serve first, and they can begin the knock-up.

Aryna Sabalenka (right) and Elena Rybakina pose for photographs before the start of women's singles final. Photograph: Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images

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There are times when players in top form meet too early in a grand slam and other events can look lopsided by the end, but as Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina face off in their first Melbourne final there is no doubt these are the two best players of the tournament.

Preamble

This seems a perfectly poised final, with Sabalenka chasing her first Slam, and Rybakina, the Wimbledon champion, facing off at Melbourne Park. It’s Belarus v Kazakhstan and between two players seeking to break into the gap at the top of the women’s game. Rybakina is mentally tough, while Sabelenka has the power. Both six-footers, they have the game to win this tournament and it seems a close one to call. Sabalenka has won all of their three meetings together, at Wimbledon in 2021, Abu Dhabi in 2021 and Wuhan in 2019. All three matches went to three sets, and that seems a likely outcome here. The stakes are the highest they could be, and who will have the mental strength to prevail?