Tennis-Rybakina meets Sabalenka in clash of big hitters for Australian Open crown

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 26, 2023 Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina is pictured during an interview after winning her semi final match against Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina began her Australian Open campaign on the outer courts at Melbourne Park but the 22nd seed is now just one step away from winning her second major, with only fellow big-hitter Aryna Sabalenka standing in her way.

Russian-born Rybakina switched allegiance to Kazakhstan in 2018 to get more financial support and went on to become the country's first major singles champion at the All England Club, where she beat Tunisian Ons Jabeur in the final.