Elena Rybakina sends message to tennis fans after reaching Australian Open final

Elena Rybakina’s message to tennis fans

In a short message posted on the WTA’s Instagram account, Rybakina said: “Hi everyone, it’s Elena here. Thank you so much for all your support, I’m super excited to play [the] final on Saturday.

“Come to watch and thanks again for all the support.”

Rybakina last played Sabalenka in the final of the 2025 WTA Finals. The Kazakhstani player emerged triumphant, defeating Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In Melbourne, Rybakina is aiming to win her first Australian Open title, while Sabalenka is hoping to win her third in four years.

Last year, Sabalenka was defeated in the Australian Open final by Madison Keys, who was knocked out in the fourth round at this year’s event.

How can Elena Rybakina trouble Aryna Sabalenka?

If Rybakina is to win Saturday’s final, she must effectively combat Aryna Sabalenka’s powerful groundstrokes.

Luckily for fans of the Kazakhstani player, she has proven to be an extremely powerful player and an effective counterpuncher – two qualities that can hurt Sabalenka on the court.

Rybakina must also serve well; preventing Sabalenka from gaining a foothold in her service games.

Rybakina has a 6-8 losing record against Sabalenka. However, she will take plenty of confidence into Saturday’s match having beaten Sabalenka in two of their past three meetings on the WTA Tour.