Tennis Predictions & Odds 1/28/23

Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka
January 28, 2023 3:30 am EDT
The Line: Aryna Sabalenka -140 / Elena Rybakina +120
(Get latest betting odds)

Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka meet Saturday morning in the 2023 Australian Open final. Let’s preview this match and give out a pick and prediction.

Elena Rybakina Betting Preview

Rybakina is coming off a straight set win over Victoria Azarenka that took 22 games to decide. In the victory, Rybakina won 76 percent of her first serve points and 41 percent of her second serve points. Rybakina won 61 percent of her total service points and converted on 5 of her 11 break points. Rybakina hit 9 aces and saved 5 of her 8 break points. Rybakina has dropped one set in this tournament. Rybakina looks to win her second career grand slam title and first since last year’s Wimbledon. Rybakina looks for her fourth title overall, as she’s 3-7 in final appearances for her career. Rybakina is 1-6 in career finals on hard court. Rybakina has 10 career wins over top-10 players, and one of those wins have come this year. Rybakina has won 8 of her last 10 matches on hard court.

Aryna Sabalenka Betting Preview

Sabalenka is coming off a straight set win over Magda Linette that took 21 games to decide. In the victory, Sabalenka won 70 percent of her first serve points and 64 percent of her second serve points. Sabalenka won 68 percent of her total service points and converted on 3 of her 7 break points. Sabalenka hit 6 aces and saved 3 of her 4 break points. Sabalenka has yet to drop a set this tournament and has won 10 straight matches overall. Sabalenka looks to win her first career grand slam title and her 12th title overall. Sabalenka is 11-8 in career final appearances and 10-3 in final trips on hard court. A win here gives Sabalenka two titles this month, meaning she would have at least 2 titles in a single year for the fifth time in the last 6 years. Sabalenka has won 10 straight matches on hard court.

Rybakina vs Sabalenka Match History

Sabalenka has won 3 of the 4 matches against Rybakina, including the only other match in a major in the 2021 Wimbledon. However, Rybakina won the most recent match in a 2022 exhibition in the United Arab Emirates. All 4 matches were decided in 3 sets.

Randy’s Free Pick

You can make a case for either players, as Rybakina has the big match experience and has been a rock this tournament in terms of consistency. Sabalenka is the hottest player on the women’s side with this tournament run and just winning the Adelaide International. With that said, I give the edge to Sabalenka, as she’s not only won 10 straight matches, but she hasn’t dropped a set during this run either. Sabalenka is hitting her spots, and she takes the racket out of her opponent’s hands when she’s spraying winners. Sabalenka wins her first grand slam title at 24 years old.