Aryna Sabalenka beat Magda Linette 7-6, 6-2, to qualify for her first Grand Slam final after three semi-final failures. Sabalenka, seeded No. 5 in Melbourne, overcame the surprise semifinalist in one hour and 33 minutes.
The Belarusian has had disappointments at Wimbledon in 2021 and the U.S. Open in 2021 and 2022, but she is through now, and she finished the match with a powerful forehand that underlined her power and composure.
Sabalenka will face reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, who saw off the resurgent Victoria Azarenka 7-6, 6-3 in under two hours.
