"For Sabalenka, who is playing in her fourth consecutive final in Melbourne, it's going to come down to one thing, and one thing only: Nerves. Her play has been incredible throughout the fortnight and the season so far, and she carries an 11-match win streak into the final. Not only that, but Sabalenka has yet to drop a set in 2026. Clearly, she has the game to win her fifth major title and third at the Australian Open,"
"Is it too simplistic to say she just needs to carry on with exactly what she's been doing this fortnight? Maybe. But Sabalenka hasn't dropped a set through six matches and is playing her usual ruthless, ultra-aggressive style of tennis, one that's left every opponent void of answers. There's been so much talk about her temperament and composure in the pressure moments, but don't forget, just days ago she became the first player in the Open era to win 20 consecutive tiebreaks."
Aryna Sabalenka, world No. 1 and two-time Australian Open champion, faces No. 5 Elena Rybakina in the final. Sabalenka enters with an 11-match win streak, has not dropped a set in 2026, and won two Melbourne titles. Mental strength and composure in high-pressure moments remain decisive factors given past struggles in major finals. Sabalenka's recent tiebreak run — 20 consecutive Open-era wins — indicates improved nerve under pressure. Rybakina most recently defeated Sabalenka at the year-end WTA Finals, presenting a fresh tactical challenge. Execution of an ultra-aggressive game plan under expectation will determine the outcome.
Read at ESPN.com
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