Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen are both bidding for their own slice of Australian Open history in the women's singles final on Saturday.

Belarusian Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman since compatriot Victoria Azarenka in 2013 to successfully defend the title in Melbourne.

Zheng, meanwhile, hopes to become the first Chinese player to win a major singles title since Li Na, on the 10-year anniversary of Li's memorable Australian Open triumph in 2014.

Sabalenka has been in devastating form in Australia, having not dropped a set on her way to the final.

She also has the head-to-head advantage over Zheng, having won their US Open quarter-final in straight sets in September.

"We actually practised here before the tournament, and she's playing really great tennis," Sabalenka, 25, said.

"She's a really nice girl and playing really great tennis once again. It's going to be a great battle."

The final takes place from 08:30 GMT on Rod Laver Arena, with live text and radio commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.

Sabalenka has become one of the most consistent Grand Slam contenders since claiming her first major singles title a year ago.

She has reached three major finals in the past 12 months, having lost out to Coco Gauff in the US Open showpiece four months ago, and has appeared in six Grand Slam semi-finals in a row.

The transformation in Sabalenka's game has been remarkable. Always known as a big hitter, she was once notorious for double faulting at crucial moments, and was left in tears more than once on court.

However, work with a psychologist and biomechanics expert helped Sabalenka steady herself in key moments - something that has been key to her success in Melbourne.

She has been able to get herself back on track when she has faltered - such as in the semi-final against Gauff, when she let slip a 5-2 lead and had to save a set point before breaking back to take the set to a tie-break.

"I would say emotionally I'll be, like, very ready to fight. Not going crazy," Sabalenka said.

"Because when you play [your] first final, you kind of like get emotional and rushing things sometimes."

Zheng happy for global support
Saturday will be 10 years since Li, in her third Australian Open final, beat Dominika Cibulkova to win her second major trophy.

Zheng - who says she has watched that final "more than 10 times" - met Li properly for the first time after her third-round win and has taken her advice of "don't think too much" to heart.

There were numerous Chinese flags on display in Rod Laver Arena during Zheng's semi-final win over Dayana Yastremska, with the 21-year-old addressing the crowd in Mandarin afterwards.

Zheng even had her post-match cooldown interrupted by a request for a photo, external from none other than Billie Jean King.

Millions will tune in to watch the final, including a new generation of tennis fans - mirroring the 11-year-old Zheng who gathered with her tennis team-mates to watch Li's 2014 triumph.

Asked about what it means to be playing at primetime in China, Zheng said: "At the beginning I felt it's a responsibility, sometimes pressure. But now I'm just trying to focus on myself.

"I'm happy I received a lot of fans who come support me here and also in front of the TV.

"It doesn't matter if it's in China or the whole world."

Source: BBC

BDST: 1252 HRS, JAN 27, 2024
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