“I’m super happy and proud,” Elena Rybakina beaming with confidence as she beats Victoria Azarenka to reach the Australian Open finals

The Kazak player was delighted with her semifinal win over the Belarusian


“I’m super happy and proud,” Elena Rybakina beaming with confidence as she beats Victoria Azarenka to reach the Australian Open finals

Elena Rybakina

Elena Rybakina stormed into the finals of the 2023 Australian Open after overcoming two-time winner Victoria Azarenka in the semifinals. She expressed her delight at making her first Grand Slam final in Australia and thanked her team and parents for their support on her path to the championship decider.

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Rybakina spoke about her backroom staff, who looked nervous throughout the match but exploded with joy with the confirmation of her win. She also thanked the Australian fans for the atmosphere they create when she plays. “I’m super happy and proud, with my team also, without them it would be difficult to be here … it’s an incredible atmosphere, I’m super happy to be in the finals, and play one more time here,” Rybakina said.

The Kazak player reviewed her match and acknowledged that she wasn’t at her best. Despite that, she beat Azarenka in straight sets to progress to the final. A mark of true winners. “I couldn’t play really aggressive tennis, the conditions were different, the ball was not ‘going’ so much, but in the end I managed to win … I will try my best in the final, of course,” Rybakina stated.

Rybakina was less lethal with her serves than she usually is. She only had a 58% first-serve success rate. Despite that, she ended up with nine aces to her name. Rybakina fought through the first set to bring it to 6-6. She then outperformed Azarenka in the tiebreak to secure the set 7-6(7). She won the second set more easily, dropping just three games to win 6-3. She will now look to win her second Grand Slam tournament final.

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Related: Elena Rybakina cruises past Victoria Azarenka to reach the final of the Australian Open 2023

Elena Rybakina hoping to use Wimbledon experience to win Australian Open

Elena Rybakina
Elena Rybakina

Rybakina believes her experience at the 2022 Wimbledon final will help her at the Australian Open final. The 23-year-old won her first Grand Slam title in London last year. She hopes to double her tally in Melbourne Park.

For sure I’ve got a lot of experience from [winning] Wimbledon … I just want to come on court and enjoy the moment [in Saturday’s final], enjoy the atmosphere … it’s really amazing to play in front of you guys so thank you so much,” Rybakina said.

It was a special moment for her as she had her family with her in Australia. Their presence at the final will be added motivation for her. “I try my best, I fight, and hopefully, I’m going to win. I’m looking forward to playing in front of everybody, and especially my parents,” Rybakina revealed.

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