Australian Open Day 11: Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina reach women’s final
Victoria Azarenka hit back at journalists as two of the biggest hitters in women’s tennis set the scene for a power-packed Australian Open final.
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Victoria Azarenka wasn’t happy with a line of questioning from journalists in her press conference after her semi-final loss to Elena Rybakina.
The Belarusian was asked about the scrutiny on Russian and Belarusian athletes at Melbourne Park and whether she was frustrated by pro-Russian protests.
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Eventually a moderator had to step in to urge reporters to move their questioning on to another topic.
Here’s how it went:
Q.There’s been a lot of scrutiny about a lot of the Russian and Belarusian players here. I’m sure even if you weren’t looking at social, you would have seenthere was an incident with Novak’s dad last night. Is it difficult for you when you go out there to put all those things out of your mind? Do you think there are other players who get impacted by it?
VICTORIA AZARENKA: Other players get impacted by what exactly are you asking me?
Q. Distractions out of their hands, the constant sortof news and talk about issues.
VICTORIA AZARENKA: News are coming from who?
Q. Well, from everyone, social media.
VICTORIA AZARENKA: You’re here talking about it right now, so obviously it’s a topic you want to continue to bring up and up and up again (smiling). I don’t know what you want me to say.
Q. Are you able to distance yourself completely?Does it concern you at all? Do you think about it? As a fellow player, do you think how difficult that might be for Novak?
VICTORIA AZARENKA: I don’t know what it has to do with Novak at all, to be fair, so … I’ve spoken to actually a security guard today who was walking me to practice every day. I know him for years. I just asked him what was the accident [sic]. He explainedto me. I don’t know what you guys want us to do about it. Like talk about it? I don’t know what’s the goal here that it’s continuously brought up. These incidents that in my opinion have nothing to do with players, but somehow you keep dragging players into it. So what’s the goal here? I think you should ask yourself that question, not me.
Q. To clarify on that. Does it frustrate you, particularly last night, for example, there was a clear sort of pro-Russian demonstration happening withinthe grounds of the tournament, that these people are coming and using the Australian Open as a platform for these kind of demonstrations. Does that frustrateyou?
VICTORIA AZARENKA: Whatever the answer I’m going to give it to you right now, it’s going to be turned whichever way you want to turn it to. So does it bother me? What bothers me is there’s real things that’s going on in the world. I don’t know. Are you a politician? Are you? Are you covering politics?
Q. No, I’m a sports journalist.
VICTORIA AZARENKA: And I’m an athlete. You’re asking me about things that maybe somebody says are in my control, but I don’t believe that. I don’t know what you want me to answer. If it’s a provocative question, then you can spin the story however you want.
THE MODERATOR: Final one on this.
PERFECT 10 AS SABALENKA POWERS INTO DECIDER
Julian Linden
Aryna Sabalenka is one player at the Australian Open tennis fans can always count on to make a racket.
As the highest-ranked Belarusian competing as a ‘neutral’ at Melbourne Park, the 24-year-old is already under a lot more scrutiny than most other players at the tournament.
But she often gets extra attention because one of her trademarks is that also happens to be one of the loudest ‘grunters’ in the sport, whose shrieks invariably get louder and louder the further she goes.
Right now, the decibel levels are almost bursting eardrums because she’s through to her first grand slam final after beating unseeded Pole Magda Linette 7-6 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday.
Incredibly, she hasn’t dropped a set in any of her 10 matches in 2023 — the four she played in winning the Adelaide International plus the six she has reeled off at Melbourne Park to join Elena Rybakina in Saturday’s singles final.
“I‘m super happy that I was able to get this win, she’s an unbelievable player, she played really great tennis,” Sabalenka said.
“I didn‘t start really well and then in the tie-break I found my rhythm, started trusting myself, starting going for the shots. It was great tennis from me on the tie-break.
“I actually felt like I hit really slow balls today but I‘ve got good genetics I guess.”
While Saturday’s final won’t generate any of the hype and excitement of last year’s historic decider won by Australia’s Ash Barty, it’s still posing as an intriguing showdown between two of the brightest prospects in women’s tennis.
On rankings, Sabalenka has the edge, currently listed fifth in the world.
But Rybakina would be much higher than 25th if she got the points for winning Wimbledon last year.
She didn’t because of the ban on Russian and Belarusian players, including Sabalenka, who could become the first ‘neutral’ player to win a grand slam singles title.
Sabalenka said she expected a tough match from Rybakina.
“She‘s an amazing player. She’s playing great tennis, super aggressive and she already got one Grand Slam,” she said.
“So she kind of had this experience playing the final and yeah, it‘s going to be great. I’m really looking forward to this final.”
RYBAKINA MAKES MOCKERY OF 22ND SEEDING
Lauren Wood
The Australian Open will have a first-time women’s winner.
Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina is the first woman into Saturday’s final, after her 7-6(4) 6-3 victory over dual winner Victoria Azarenka.
It’s a family affair for the Kazakh, whose family – including sister Anna and parents Andrey and Ekaterina – are in Melbourne to watch her in a slam final for the first time.
“I’m super happy. It’s the first time that everybody’s here,” Rybakina said.
“I’m looking forward to the next match to play in front of everybody and especially my parents.”
It could mark the beginning of a tradition to have them in tow, she laughed, given Anna was at Wimbledon to watch her salute in 2022.
“I guess so, because it was first time for my sister to come to a grand slam at Wimbledon. Now, she’s here, and at the next grand slam I’m for sure going to take her,” she said.
Saturday will be Rybakina’s second grand slam final in the last three slams, with the Kazakh’s ranking significantly stifled by Wimbledon’s decision not to award ranking points at the 2022 event.
The 23-year-old is seeded 22nd at Melbourne Park but would have sat inside the top 10 had her points been boosted.
Her victory over Azarenka was the young gun’s third victory over a grand slam champion, having dismissed top seed Iga Swiatek and 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko on her way to the final.
Her coaches had been particularly “nervous”, she admitted.
“Because they want me to perform well,” Rybakina said.
“It was different conditions, I couldn’t play very aggressive tennis. I’ll try my best in the final of course.”
Seven members of the Original Nine – including tennis legends Billie Jean King, Judy Dalton and Kerry Melville Reid – watched on as Rybakina prevailed, having been celebrated more than 50 years since their breakaway move to turn professional sparked the women’s professional tour that exists today.
“It was really special and nervous of course (to play in front of them),” Rybakina said.
“I want to say a big thank you from the players. It’s unbelievable what you’ve done for us, for the new generation. It means a lot.”
So pleased for Rybakina making it to the AO final, her Wimbledon win went fairly under the radar after the ranking points issue - hope she can go all the way and gain the credit she deserves
— katie (@katieemufc) January 26, 2023
Elena Rybakina has to be a shot at becoming world No. 1 this year if she can keep this up. One match away from adding the Australian Open to her Wimbledon title. Wonder what her ranking would be now if she had the missing Wimbledon points. #AO2023#AusOpen
— Neil McMahon (@NeilMcMahon) January 26, 2023
RECAP THURSDAY’S TALKING POINTS/LIVE BLOG
11.33PM SABALENKA SPEAKS
Here’s what Aryna Sabalenka had to say after reaching her first Grand Slam final:
“I’m super happy. Super happy that I was able to get this win. She is an unbelievable player. She played really great tennis and yeah, I’m just super happy right now, and guys, thank you so much for staying late tonight and supporting us. Atmosphere was unbelievable.
“I would say that I didn’t start really well, and then in the tie break, I … yeah, I kind of find my rhythm and just start trusting myself, start going for the shots, and, yeah, it was great tennis from me on the tie break.
“Just being in the final on this kind of tournament, it’s paying to feel this atmosphere, to play on these court, and, yeah, that was a great experience for me, and I hope it’s gonna help me (Saturday).
On playing Elena in the final: “Just being in the final on this kind of tournament, it’s paying to feel this atmosphere, to play on these court, and, yeah, that was a great experience for me, and I hope it’s gonna help me tomorrow.”
11.25PM IT’S ALL OVER — RYBAKINA V SABALENKA FINAL
Sabalenka has done it — and in some style. She serves out and on her fourth match point is through to her first Grand Slam final, where she will meet Elena Rybakina. “It’s wearing, when you’ve given it everything you’ve got, and by the way, you’ve played at your best level, but you are playing an opponent today in Sabalenka that is just too good,” said Alicia Molik in commentary.
Sabalenka wins 7-6 6-2. It really was a demolition from the start of that first set tie-break as she won 39 points to 24 from then on.
11.20PM LINETTE HOLDS ON
This match will go at least another game longer after Magda Linette saves several match points and serves out. It’s 5-2 Sabalenka and she will now serve for the match. Sabalenka just played too aggressively in that match as she tried to close it out.
11.12PM SABALENKA CLOSES IN
Huge serving from Sabalenka gets her out of trouble on serve. She saved three break points and leads 5-1. “It’s just a barrage for Linette to handle,” says Casey Dellacqua.
11.05PM SABALENKA BREAKS AGAIN
And she’s two games away from facing Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final. “She’s nicknamed the Tiger and she’s roaring," says Todd Woodbridge.
11.02PM SABALENKA CONSOLIDATES
And it’s now 3-1 with a break in the second set for Sabalenka. You sense his could be over quickly. Sabalenka has hit six winners to one in this set and 26 to eight for the match. That tells you the difference in power.
10.57PM SABALENKA BREAKS
Magda Linette needs to find something special if she's going to stay in this match after being broken by Sabalenka in the third game of the second set.
Sabalenka is on the attack now and looking to flex her muscle after clinching the first set.
10.42PM SABALENKA POWERS TO FIRST SET
It’s going to be another late night at Rod Laver Arena after a slobberknocker of a first set between Sabalenka and Linette.
It went all the way to a tie-break where Sabalenka’s power was just too much for the Polish world No. 45.
Sabalenka took the first six points of the tie-break, even producing a second serve ace which was centiremetre perfect (yes, read that in a Dennis Cometti voice).
Linette ensuredit didn’t finish 7-0 at least taking one point but again Sabalenka’s force was crucial on the decisive point.
10.10PM WHERE WOULD RYBAKINA BE WITH WIMBLEDON POINTS?
Elena Rybakina missed out on 2000 ranking points due to players not being awarded points for Wimbledon when Russian and Belarusian players were banned.
Those points would have had Rybakina ranked eighth coming into the Australian Open and she would have been looking at a potential top-two rank after her performances in Melbourne. She’s still on track to be inside the top-10 now but her seed belied how dangerous she was going into this tournament.
You’ve got to remember she started this tournament playing on Court 13.
10.04PM SABALENKA STRIKES BACK
From 0-40 down, Aryna Sabalenka breaks and it’s back on serve in the first set. Five points on the trot! “She’s starting to find her range now, Sabalenka,” says Todd Woodbridge.
9.59PM SABALENKA ON THE BOARD
Sabalenka holds in her second service get to get rolling in this semi-final but trails Magda Linette 2-1.
9.56PM LINETTE CONSOLIDATES
If she was nervous, Magda Linette certainly isn’t showing it.
She’s blown Aryna Sabalenka way in the opening two games to take an early lead in the semi-final and stun the crowd.
9.53PM ‘SHE LOOKED TENSE’
How big are these first couple of games for Magda Linette?
She breaks in the first which is incredible considering she looked nervous on th eway out.
Todd Woodbridge noted on Channel 9: “I’ve got to say that I thought that Magda Linette looked very tense. She looked like it was a huge occasion, which it is, but she was showing it. I’m wondering how she’s going to settle into these couple of opening games.”
Linette leads 1-0 after breaking Sabalenka to love in a stunning start.
9.48PM SECOND SEMI-FINAL UNDERWAY
Aryna Sabalenka and Magda Linette are underway on Rod Laver Arena as they look to join Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final.
9.35PM RYBAKINA SPEAKS
“I’m super happy and proud, with my team also, without them it would be difficult to be here. And really thank you a lot because without you it’s really … it’s incredible atmosphere and I’m super happy to be in the finals and play one more time here.”
On her team: “Of course they were nervous because they want me to perform well and today was a bit tougher for me because it was different conditions. I couldn’t play really aggressive tennis. The ball was not going to such but I’m happy that in the end I managed to win. I try my best in the final of course.”
“I got a lot of experience from Wimbledon and, to be honest, I just want to come on court and really enjoy the moment, enjoy the atmosphere because it’s really amazing to play in front of you guys, so thank you so much and yeah, we see how it’s gonna go but, for sure, I try my best. I fight and, yeah, hopefully I’m going to win.”
9.27PM RYBAKINA WINS
Azarenka crumbled on serve trying to stay in the match, serving a double fault at 0-30. She saved the first match point with a powerful backhand but she only needed two to get it done. Rybakina is through and she played like a top-five seed not a 22nd seed.
9.24PM AZARENKA GETS ONE BREAK BACK
As she did in the first set, Rybakina gives Azarenka a look in and is unable to serve out the set. Azarenka breaks for 5-3.
9.20PM RYBAKINA ONE GAME AWAY
Azarenka produces a wild forehand which travels well wide and hands Rybakina a double break in the second set. She’ll serve for the match at 5-2. It’d be hard not to be thinking about the final now.
9.13PM AZARENKA DODGES ‘VIRTUAL MATCH POINT’
Jim Courier calls it a “virtual match point” as Elena Rybakina misses a golden chance to go 4-1 ahead in the second set. She had a rally at her mercy only to make an error and give Azarenka the chance to fight back for 3-2. “She got a gift. Wow! That was a virtual match point from Rybakina and it was missed in the middle of the net not even on the tape,” Courier said on Channel 9.
9.01PM RYBAKINA BREAKS IN SECOND SET
The pressure is all on Victoria Azarenka now as she is broken to love and trails 2-1 in the second set.
8.32PM AZARENKA TO SERVE FOR FIRST SET
What a turnaround. Rybakina’s serve has fallen apart and Azarenka had three break points on three second serves. From 5-3, Rybakina’s serving has melted under pressure but she somehow survived each of those break points on second serve. You sense that might be a crucial game as Rybakina gets out of it to lead 6-5.
Rybakina first serve looks like it's disappeared, what is happening #AusOpen
— Fares (@FaresMuthana) January 26, 2023
8.25PM AZARENKA BREAKS AGAIN!
Just when Elena Rybakina looked set to seal the first set Azarenka fights back. The highlight of that match was a superb passing shot from the Belarusian down the line when she looked certain to surrender the set. We’re back to 5-4 on serve in the first set.
8.17PM RYBAKINA BREAKS AGAIN, WILL SERVE FOR SET
The Wimbledon champ is hammering Azarenka with sheer power and takes a 5-3 lead in the opening set.
8.08PM RYBAKINA BREAKS BACK!
Well, that advantage didn’t last long. From 30-30, Rybakina punishes Azarenka for missing two first serves and gets the break back. It’s 3-3 in the first set.
8.03PM AZARENKA BREAKS
Victoria Azarenka gets the first break of the semi-final and leads 3-2 in the opening set.
From 15-15, she managed two winners to capitalise on an earlier error from Rybakina and claim the initiative.
8.02PM LAST TIME AZARENKA WON IN MELBOURNE
A lot has changed since Victoria Azarenka’s last Grand Slam triumph at the Australian Open in 2013.
Azarenka was the No. 1 seed in that tournament, when she defeated sixth seed Li Na in the final.
She defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova, Sloane Stephens and then Li Na to clinch successive Melbourne Park titles.
Her opponent tonight was 13 years old.
7.54PM DOKIC PRAISES RYBAKINA TACTICS
Elena Rybakina clearly isn’t going to die wondering here tonight and has started by taking the attack to Victoria Azarenka.
While Azarenka held in her opening service game, it wasn’t without a challenge from the Wimbledon champion.
“I think it is clear already from Rybakina just really holding the baseline so well right there. And just looking to attack. She was already inside the baseline there. Looking to take the ball early. Great commitment from Rybakina,” Dokic said on Channel 9.
It’s very early, but the signs are very promising from Rybakina who I would have as favourite for this match.
7.46PM WOMEN’S SEMI-FINALS UNDERWAY
And Elena Rybakina starts with a double fault!
HOW LATE IS TOO LATE FOR WOMEN’S SEMI-FINALS?
The first of two Australian Open women’s semi-finals started almost 15 minutes after the scheduled start time of 7.30pm, one of the world’s premier tennis writers has questioned the scheduling.
Stuart Fraser from The Times said the Open was “asking for trouble” by scheduling the Azarenka-Rybakina match at 7.30pm.
Most night matches have started at about 7pm, although the schedule changes depending on how long day matches take.
Fraser said six of the seven night sessions in the opening week ended at 12.55am or later.
“Below are the Australian Open finish times throughout the first week. Starting two women’s semi-finals tonight from 19:30 is also asking for trouble, IMO,” he tweeted.
Week one finishing times, as tweeted by Stuart Fraser:
Mon 16 – 23:38
Tue 17 – 02:02
Wed 18 – 01:27
Thu 19 – 04:05
Fri 20 – 01:40
Sat 21 – 00:55
Sun 22 – 02:16
NADAL CAMP RAISES FRESH DOUBTS OVER DJOKER INJURY
Rafael Nadal’s uncle has reportedly aired fresh doubts about Novak Djokovic’s hamstring injury.
The Serbian has stormed into the Australian Open semi-finals, shaking off reported injury issues to claim convincing wins over Alex de Minaur and Andrey Rublev in the past two rounds.
Djokovic said after his win over de Minaur his hamstring was feeling as good as it had at any point during the tournament, confirming he had managed the issue with anti-inflammatories.
Toni Nadal reportedly told Spanish media: “For years we saw that injuries had an immediate effect on Rafa’s health. He could not end matches sometimes. With Novak, it’s different. I am not saying he is faking injuries but it’s normal to have doubts.”
Toni Nadal: "For years we saw that injuries had an immediate effect on Rafa's health. He could not end matches sometimes. With Novak, it's different. I am not saying he is faking injuries but it's normal to have doubts." (via El Pais)
— Luigi Gatto (@gigicat7_) January 25, 2023
7.28PM CAN TSITSIPAS BOOK AUS OPEN FINAL
He is one of the most loved tennis players at Melbourne Park and Stefanos Tsitsipas is capable of reaching his first Australian Open semi-final, says Todd Woodbridge.
This is the fourth time the Greek star has reached the last four in Australia, but he is yet to reach the final.
The highest seed left in the draw will meet Karen Khachanov for a spot in this year’s decider.
“If it goes the way it should, it should be Tsitsipas who gets through, but it will be a tough match because Karen has been playing really well,” Woodbridge said on Channel 9.
“He is calm and composed and in his interviews he said I’ve reinvented myself. I am a better player than what he was.
“He’s come back after a semi at the US Open. This is the best tennis that Tsitsipas has played since he lost at Roland Garros to Novak Djokovic.
“He is playing brilliantly out of the blocks. It’s about sustaining through that length of time but it he’s been doing it well.”
NEW DOUBLES HEROES NEED A NICKNAME
Why change a good thing?
Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler are into the Australian Open men’s final and planning to continue their unique preparation for the Saturday showpiece.
The Aussie pair — ranked 163rd and 277th in the world for doubles — have emulated Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis’ feat by reaching the decider as qualifiers at Melbourne Park.
They dispatched eighth seeds Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos 6-4 6-2 in a commanding semi-final performance to book a final against Hugo Nys and Jan Zieliński.
Asked what their lead-up to the final would look like, Hijikata said: “(Jason will be) smashing on some lollies and Pepsi, and I’ll probably sleep for most of the day tomorrow.”
It’s a unique formula but one that is clearly working for the unlikely doubles heroes.
They have eliminated the first and eighth seeds in their past two outings without dropping a set, storming into the final and capturing the attention of a nation.
DON’T LIKE OUR SUGGESTIONS? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE HIJIKATA-KUBLER NICKNAME
Now the challenge is out for someone to come up with a nickname by Saturday so they can match the ‘Special Ks’.
“We seem to have bad names for a nickname. We think of it and then there’s nothing,” Kubler said.
“Nothing that sounds that good. Hopefully someone can come up with something but if not, Jason and Rinky should be fine.”
One name which was suggested during their press conference was ‘Team Kinky’.
It got a laugh, but Kubler said “I don’t think we can run with that one”.
Hijikata and Kubler might not play traditional doubles tennis or have the history together of other pairings, but their partnership is working wonders.
“It’s funny because at some stages we’re just yelling at each other,” Kubler said.
“I don’t know what he’s saying, he doesn’t know what I’m saying, he doesn’t know what I’m saying we’re just yelling.
“There’s happens of energy and we both play better when there’s more energy. We’ll keep it going. I don’t know what the leader is but we’re doing pretty well right now.”
7PM CAN AZARENKA OUST WIMBLEDON CHAMP?
Tonight’s first women’s semi-final has so many great storylines.
It’s the Wimbledon champion who gained no points for her win against the veteran who won her last Grand Slam in Australia 10 years ago.
Azarenka has only reached one Grand Slam final since 2013 — the 2020 US Open.
Can she break her drought and go a step closer to a third Aussie Open title?
6.50PM DOKER CONCERN CAN’T BE IGNORED
Two-time Australian Open champion Jim Courier says the issue of Novak Djokovic’s hamstring will “hover” over his semi-final against Tommy Paul.
While Courier said Djokovic was “heavy favourite” to move a step closer to his 10th Australian Open, he said the Serbian was “only one step away from trouble”.
“He has played unbelievably well, ruthlessly efficient in his last two matches against quality opposition, but you’re only one step away from trouble if you have the hamstring issue,” Courier said on Channel 9.
“That is what Tommy Paul has to sell himself and what the — tell himself and what about the tennis Tsitsipas has been playing. Novak, when he is normal, he hits the back end and he slides the open stance on the open side but he is turning around so as not to put pressure on the left leg. That is not normal.
“That tells me he is protecting a problem there so it’s tougher for him to defend in the backhand corner. He will need to use that and get Novak to do something awkward.”
5.50PM WHAT THE SEMI-FINALISTS SAID:
Here’s what Elena Rybankia, Victoria Azakarena, Magda Linette and Aryna Sabalenka said about their semi-finals.
Azarenka on facing Rybakina: It will be a great matchup. We only played once last year. Was a bit of kind of a weird match for me. I’m looking forward to having that challenge.
“She’s an incredible player. She won Wimbledon last year. I think maybe she had a little bit of up and downs, but she’s a very good, solid player. Her ranking obviously doesn’t tell the full story.
“Yeah, she’s very powerful. Big serve. She’s in the semi-final, so she’s obviously playing amazing. Had some really tough wins, good wins. So, yeah, it’s going to be a big challenge. I’m excitedabout that.
Rybakina on Pegula or Azarenka (before her semi-final was locked in): Yeah, for sure, they are tough opponents for me. We know each other well. Was a tough match against Jessica in Guadalajara, but there it was also special conditions. And against Vika in Indian Wells.
“Yeah, tough opponents, but like always, I will try to prepare, I will try to watch the matches, analyse, think about this, and for sure I’m gonna give my best on thecourt.”
Linette on Sabalenka: My last encounter wasn’t the best at the Olympics, so I think I have really big room there, because it obviously can’t be any worse than the last one.
“I will just try what I’m doing this whole week. I’m being very consistent, returning really well, and keeping my serves. I think she will be, you know, just a little bit more consistent version of being aggressive on every single shot. I will just need to serve really well again.
I will try to do my best on the return, and I have been doing that pretty well the last two matches, especiallywhen the opponent was kind of similar.
Sabalenka on Linette: Yeah, she’s a great player. She’s playing great tennis these weeks in Australia. Yeah, moving well, serving well, handling emotions well. Yeah, she’s a great player. It’s going to be great battle.I’m really looking forward for this match.
5.15PM WHO WINS TONIGHT?
It’s your turn to have your say on who you think will make the Australian Open women’s final.
VOTE BELOW
4.48pm WHAT HIJIKATA, KUBLER SAID
RINKY: No, I was still pretty bummed about my singles match to be honest! But, yeah, I guess, wow, we’ll take it for sure.
KUBLER: Who would have thought, who would have thought. We both returned unbelievable. If any watched the match yesterday they saw Rinky lacing them, I was happy to do my part today. Unbelievable, we get a rest day tomorrow, and then play Saturday.
RINKY: I don’t even know at this point. I have think we just see the ball, hit the ball. Don’t know to be honest.
KUBLER: It’s funny because at some stages we’re just yelling at each other. I don’t know what he’s saying, he doesn’t know what I’m saying, he doesn’t know what I’m saying we’re just yelling. There’s happens of energy and we both play better when there’s more energy. We’ll keep it going. I don’t know what the leader is but we’re doing pretty well right now.
RINKY: (Asked about their preparation for the final) Smashing on some lollies and Pepsi, and I’ll probably sleep for most of the day tomorrow.
KUBLER: I was lucky enough to play a couple of matches on Ken Rosewall Arena and great to have that atmosphere and experience. This was the first time I’ve played on Rod Laver Arena in the day I think, so I was a bit nervous to come out but as soon as our energy comes out, I’m not even thinking anymore, I’m just swinging … With each match we get more confident and I feel more at home on these big courts.
RINKY: I don’t know, hey, no clue, I guess … yeah, if someone can come up with one. I think it must be pretty hard because we haven’t found one yet.
KUBLER: We seem to have bad names for a nickname. We think of it and then there’s nothing. Nothing that sounds that good. Hopefully someone can come up with something but if not, Jason and Rinky should be fine.
4.42PM AUSSIE DUO INTO MEN’S DOUBLES FINAL
They’ve done it! Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler, ranked 277th and 163rd in the world for doubles, are into the Australian Open final with a 6-4 6-2 victory. Boy does the crowd love it!
“Wow, this has been such a good performance both on serve, placement and returns from the two Australians,” says doubles legend Todd Woodbridge.
4.36PM HIJIKATA, KUBLER TO SERVE FOR MATCH
The Aussie pair break again in the second set and are within sight of the men’s doubles final. They lead 5-2 in the second set. Start Googling men’s doubles because you might want to sound like an expert when discussing these two with your mates! First the Special Ks, now Kubler and Hijikata. One more to go.
4.32PM AUSSIE PAIR THREE GAMES FROM FINAL
Hijikata and Kubler continue to hold a break in the second set and at 3-2, Todd Woodbridge sums up what every Aussie in the crowd seems to be thinking: “This is fun. This is great viewing,” he says on Channel 9. Hijikata has just held serve to make it 4-2.
4.05PM AUSSIES TAKE FIRST SET IN DOUBLES SEMI-FINAL
Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler have taken the first set in their men’s doubles semi-final against eighth seeds Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos.
Looking to keep the title in Aussie hands and repeat the feat of the ‘Special Ks’ last year, Hijikata and Kubler are one set up after taking the first set 6-4.
Huge!
TENNIS LEGEND’S TAKE ON RUSSIA BAN
Tennis great Billie Jean King urged Wimbledon on Wednesday to lift its ban on Russian and Belarusian players, saying “life is too short”.
Players from both countries were barred from the Grand Slam last year over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the tournament stripped of ranking points as a result.
The All England Club is considering whether to do the same again this year but King called on them to drop the ban.
“Just keep it the same way as the other ones are. Life is too short,” she told reporters at the Australian Open. “I think they should get prize money. Just have them play and get their money.” Players from Russia and Belarus are competing at the Australian Open as independents under a neutral white flag.
Two Belarusians – Victoria Azarenka and Aryna Sabelenka – are into the semi-finals and could meet in Saturday’s title match.
Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan is also in the last four, despite being seeded only 22 after missing out on rankings points for winning the major.
“It’s the ranking points, for sure. They have to have it. Rybakina, they’ve seeded her 22, but because she won Wimbledon she’s not (seeded higher),” said King.
DJOKOVIC ISSUES CHEEKY CHALLENGE TO FEDERER
Roger Federer may no longer be on the ATP Tour but that hasn’t stopped his adversaries from keeping a close eye on what he is doing.
And when it comes to Novak Djokovic, the competitive rivalry still exists – even if it may play out in another sport.
Fresh off his quarter-final smashing of Russian Andrey Rublev, Djokovic gave a shout-out to Federer in his post-match interview and issued a cheeky challenge to the Swiss superstar.
“Let’s give a big round of applause to Roger guys,” he said.
“Tennis misses him for sure. I’ve seen him dressing up very sharply for fashion week.
“Yeah, I‘ve seen him skiing. I want to challenge him to a little skiing race in few years’ time.
“But yeah, he‘s enjoying life for sure. It’s nice to see that.
“Obviously for tennis, he’s been one of the most important players ever to play the game. So, big regards to him and his family.”
While we would love one last Djokovic v Federer showdown on the tennis court, the snow might be all we can hope for.
Cup draw sets up couple showdown
Alex de Minaur will be pitted against his girlfriend for the second year in a row at an important Australian Open warm-up event.
Demon’s bid to recreate United Cup magic
Alex de Minaur will lead Australia’s team in a star-studded Australian Open warm-up event that includes seven of the women’s world top 10.