MELBOURNE: Aryna Sabalenka said a controversial hindrance call for grunting during a rally only fuelled her drive as she powered past Elina Svitolina to reach her fourth successive Australian Open final.
The world number one beat Svitolina 6-2 6-3 in the semi-final but was left seething early in the first set when chair umpire Louise Azemar Engzell awarded a point to the Ukrainian mid-rally. Sabalenka was told she had made two noises after striking the ball, with the second deemed a hindrance as Svitolina returned from the baseline.
Twice champion Sabalenka demanded a review, but the decision stood, leaving her visibly frustrated. “That’s actually never happened to me, especially with my grunting,” Sabalenka said later, playing down the noise as a natural exhale. “It was just the timing.”
The Belarusian channelled that anger into a dominant display, overwhelming Svitolina with her power to close out the match in straight sets.
Sabalenka will now face fifth seed Elena Rybakina in a rematch of the 2023 Australian Open final, which she won in three sets to claim her first Grand Slam title. Rybakina booked her place by beating American Jessica Pegula 6-3 7-6(7) in the late semi-final.
“We have a great history,” Sabalenka said of the former Wimbledon champion. “She’s an incredible player. If it’s going to be her, I’m looking forward to battling this power.”
