Pegula, aiming to become the first woman in the Open Era to reach her first two Grand Slam finals after turning 30, fought back in the second set. At 7-7, Rybakina struck decisively, pressuring Pegula’s second serve before ripping a backhand down the line to clinch the match. The Belarusian needed just over an hour to secure her fourth consecutive Australian Open final appearance, underlining her status as the tournament’s most consistent performer in recent years. Sabalenka, who lost the 2023 final to Madison Keys, now stands on the brink of her third Australian Open crown. Repeat final promises high dramaRybakina and Sabalenka will contest a rare repeat Australian Open final, becoming only the fourth pair this century to meet multiple times in Melbourne.