Australian Open WTA Semi-final day Preview: Rybakina v Azarenka, Sabalenka v Linette

Two matches that will decide who will contest the WTA final of the Australian Open will be played on Thursday and we have the potential for some history happening.

The first semi-final will feature Aryna Sabalenka take on Magda Linette. Both of these players have had incredible runs at this event but it's rather expected of Sabalenka. Linette surprised many but it's unlikely she'll get the job done once more. She will battle hard but Sabalenka has the tools and confidence to win the match. She also has experience having played in a couple of semi-finals before.

The second one will feature Azarenka take on Rybakina in a beautiful matchup with two players of different styles. Both played well and both have won grand slams before so it should be a good one where neither will lose the match in the locker room. A heavy hitter like Rybakina against a counter-punch like Azarenka should give us some amazing rallies.

Read also

Prize Money Breakdown 2023 Australian Open with $76.5m in total on offer, 3.4% increase in record amount

This final also could be the first all-Belarussian final as both Sabalenka and Azarenka can advance. It would also go down as the white flag final as both players aren't able to play under their country's flag having a white one by their name on the scoreboard. The first one begins at 09:30 and the second one follows after that.

Schedule:

09:30 Rybakina E. - Azarenka V.

11:00 Linette M. - Sabalenka A.