<p>It all comes down to this. After a fortnight of red-hot tennis (quite literally), only two remain on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/australian-open/predictions/ladies-draw-2026">women’s side of the singles draw</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/aryna-sabalenka-v-elena-rybakina-10099216">The 2026 Australian Open Women's Final</a> promises to deliver an explosive showdown as world number one Aryna Sabalenka takes on fifth-seeded Elena Rybakina in a rematch of their thrilling 2023 decider.</p> <p>Both power-hitting champions have bulldozed their way through the draw without dropping a single set, setting up one of the most anticipated women's finals in recent Australian Open history.</p> <p>Sabalenka arrives at Saturday's final carrying a perfect 11-0 record for 2026 and an imposing 13-match winning streak on major hard courts.</p> <p>The defending champion is chasing her third Australian Open crown and fifth major hard-court title, having dominated proceedings at Melbourne Park with ruthless efficiency.</p> <p>Her path to the final has been nothing short of spectacular, surrendering just eight games combined across her quarterfinal and semifinal victories.</p> <p>On the other side of the net, Rybakina enters as the form player of the women's tour, boasting an incredible 19 wins from her last 20 matches.</p> <p>The Kazakhstani ace machine has toppled nine consecutive top 10 opponents during this purple patch, including a commanding 6-3, 7-6 victory over Sabalenka at the WTA Finals in November.</p> <p>That triumph not only secured Rybakina her maiden WTA Finals championship but also established her as the last player to defeat the world number one.</p> <p>The head-to-head record slightly favours Sabalenka at 8-6, though their previous encounters tell the story of two evenly matched titans of the game.</p> <p>Eight of their 14 meetings have required three sets to determine a winner, highlighting just how competitive this rivalry has become.</p> <p>Their 2023 Australian Open final remains one of the tournament's modern classics, with Sabalenka rallying from a set down to claim her maiden Melbourne crown.</p> <p>Can Rybakina extract a measure of revenge three years in the making? Or will Sabalenka secure yet another Aus Open crown?</p> <p>For all the latest betting tips, analysis and odds ahead of the 2026 Australian Open Women’s Final check out our Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina preview and prediction below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sabalenka vs Rybakina Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Match Betting</h3> <p>The head-to-head market for this blockbuster final sees Sabalenka installed as the slight favourite, and there's solid reasoning behind that assessment.</p> <p>The world number one has been virtually untouchable at Melbourne Park, extending her love affair with the blue courts of Melbourne. Her recent dominance on major hard courts cannot be ignored, with 13 consecutive victories demonstrating her mastery of this surface.</p> <p>However, Rybakina's recent form presents a compelling counter-argument. The 2022 Wimbledon champion's serve has been absolutely devastating this fortnight, leading the tournament with 41 aces compared to Sabalenka's 22.</p> <p>Her ability to dictate points from the opening shot gives her a significant weapon against any opponent.</p> <p>While both players bring immense firepower, Sabalenka's superior court movement and variety should prove decisive in the crucial moments.</p> <p>The Belarusian's experience in major finals, combined with her perfect record this season, edges her ahead in what promises to be an incredibly tight contest.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/aryna-sabalenka-v-elena-rybakina-10099216">Aryna Sabalenka.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Set Betting</h3> <p>Neither player has been tested to their limits throughout this tournament, with both maintaining perfect set records heading into Saturday's showdown. This final has all the ingredients for an extended battle between two of the game's premier power players.</p> <p>Rybakina possesses the serving prowess to steal a set from anyone in the women's game, particularly with her devastating wide serve on the advantage court.</p> <p>Her recent victory over Sabalenka at the WTA Finals proves she has the weapons to trouble the world number one when firing on all cylinders.</p> <p>Expect Sabalenka to assert her authority as the match progresses, using her superior variety and court positioning to gradually wear down her opponent. The defending champion's ability to elevate her game in pressure moments should see her through, but not before Rybakina makes her mark.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/aryna-sabalenka-v-elena-rybakina-10099216">Sabalenka – 2-1.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Total Match Games</h3> <p>The total match games line of 22.5 reflects the expectation of a competitive encounter between two players who rarely give ground easily.</p> <p>With both players serving at elite levels and possessing the power to end points quickly, the match structure will likely hinge on key service games and potential tiebreak scenarios.</p> <p>Given our prediction of a three-set encounter and the serving prowess of both players, this match should provide enough competitive games across three sets to challenge the line.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/aryna-sabalenka-v-elena-rybakina-10099216">Over total match games.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Where to Watch the Sabalenka vs Rybakina Australian Open Women’s Final?</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For those in Australia, you can watch the 2026 Women's Australian Open Final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina on the Nine Network.</p> <p>Available on both free-to-air on Channel 9, and 9Gem, you can also watch the match online on 9Now.</p> <p>Alternatively, you can stream the Women's AO Final on streaming service Stan Sport.</p>