Aryna Sabalenka wins maiden Grand Slam at 2023 Australian Open after thrilling final against Rybakina

Aryna Sabalenka came close a couple of times but she finally got it done this year beating Rybakina 4-6 6-3 6-4 to win her maiden grand slam final at the 2023 Australian Open.

It was not the final we expected to see but it proved a really good one. Two players who play similarly with very heavy games. Both struggled to impose their games early on but Rybakina was a little bit better. She took an early break as Sabalenka struggled to find a good rhythm. Sabalenka would break back a bit later but then drop her serve once more as she lost the set 6-4.

The problem for her was the serve as she had 5 double faults, two in the game that sealed her fate in the set and one of those was on break point. The second set was much better by Sabalenka as she finally found a good rhythm and started to strike the ball far better. It would become only better and better as the match went on.

6-3 was the score for Sabalenka as she posted 21 winners to only 10 errors. The crucial stat was 7 aces and only one double fault, a dramatic improvement over the first set. The final one was closely contested as both played well but eventually, Sabalenka got the break she needed. She was spectacular in that one.

The serve was working, the shots were falling and despite a good level, Rybakina was unable to handle it. An 11th win in a row for Sabalenka who is now 11-0 this year with two trophies.