Australian Open 2024 FINALS: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Qinwen Zheng Preview, Prediction and Live Stream

The Chinese tennis star will be playing her maiden Grand Slam final.

Australian Open 2024 FINALS: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Qinwen Zheng Preview, Prediction and Live Stream

Aryna Sabalenka, Qinwen Zheng (Images via Tennis.com, Web.de)

The 2024 Australian Open has been quite unpredictable in terms of the results produced. The year’s first Grand Slam tournament has reached its business end with only the finals left to be played. After a grueling battle for almost two weeks, the 2024 Australian Women’s Singles Final is scheduled to be played on Saturday between defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and Qinwen Zheng.

While Sabalenka is well-versed with how to handle the pressure at the big stage, it will be the first time for Zheng, who is playing her maiden Grand Slam final. Nevertheless, the Chinese star is expected to pull off an upset. Let’s look at where the two players stand before the big game.

Aryna Sabalenka vs. Qinwen Zheng: Match Details

  • Tournament: Australian Open 2024
  • Match: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Qinwen Zheng
  • Round: Finals
  • Date: January 27, 2024
  • Time: TBD
  • Venue: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park, Australia
  • Surface: Hard
  • Prize Money: $3,150,000

Aryna Sabalenka vs. Qinwen Zheng: Match Preview

Belarusian tennis ace Aryna Sabalenka is all set to play her second Australian Open Final and her third Grand Slam Final when she takes the court on Saturday. Sabalenka is defending her crown, and she has done an amazing job so far.

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Aryna Sabalenka (Image via Tennis.com)

The World No.2 has not dropped a single set en route to the final. It looked like the Belarusian would lose her first set of the tournament against Coco Gauff in the semifinals, but Sabalenka made a sensational comeback to win the match in straight sets. She avenged her defeat in the 2023 US Open Final and now gears up to lift her second Grand Slam title.

On the other hand, Qinwen Zheng has had a fairytale start to the 2024 season as the Chinese ace reached a Grand Slam final for the first time in her career. Improving upon her performance at the 2023 US Open (where she reached the quarterfinals), Zheng has come all the way to the final here in Melbourne. The 21-year-old has pulled off some great wins and is expected to challenge Sabalenka when they lock horns at the Rod Laver Arena.

Aryna Sabalenka vs. Qinwen Zheng: Match Prediction

While Aryna Sabalenka might look like the outright favorite won win the final, Qinwen Zheng is going to be no pushover. The Chinese ace has dished out some fine performances, including straight-set wins over Katie Boulter and Dayana Yastremska.

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Qinwen Zheng celebrates (Image via Imago)

Zheng looks in perfect shape and can challenge a big server like Sabalenka. The Belarusian, on the other hand, has also been phenomenal so far, thrashing her opponents in straight sets. Now, Sabalenka will be eyeing that shiny trophy.

The two players have met only once, and that was in the 2023 US Open quarterfinals. Sabalenka came out on top as she beat Zheng in straight sets of 6-1, 6-4. The Belarusian is expected to pull off a similar win on Saturday. However, considering Zheng’s improvements, the match might go down the wire.

Match Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka to win in three sets. (A tiebreaker might be possible)

Aryna Sabalenka vs. Qinwen Zheng: Match Telecast

  • Africa: beIN Sports, Super Sport
  • Asia Pacific and Oceania: beIN Sports, Tennis Channel, CCTV
  • Central Asia: Eurosport, Sony Sports Network
  • Europe: Eurosport, SRG SSR
  • India and subcontinent: Sony Sports Network
  • Latin America and the Caribbean: ESPN International
  • Middle East: beIN Sports, Eurosport
  • North America: ESPN, TSN, Tennis Channel

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