Elena Rybakina lost to Aryna Sabalenka (6–4, 3–6, 4–6) in the final match of Australian Open 2023, QazMonitor reports.
The first set started with a double fault by Sabalenka, which did not stop her from winning Game 1. Rybakina’s confident response with three aces in the second game made the score even, which was followed by two more games won by the Kazakh tennis player (3–1). Set 1 was truly nerve-wracking until the end of Game 8 (4–4), but Rybakina secured the victory in the next two games, winning the set 6–4. The players hit 5 aces each.
The first half of Set 2 was tough for Rybakina, as Sabalenka led 4–1, but the player from Belarus did not extend the lead until Game 7 (5–2). Still, Rybakina could not catch up, and Sabalenka won the set 6–3.
The final set at Rod Laver Arena was an even play in the first 6 games (3–3). Unfortunately for Rybakina, Sabalenka took the lead winning the set 6–4 and claiming the champion title at Australian Open 2023.
