Elena Rybakina vs Victoria Azarenka
January 26, 2023 3:30 am EDT
The Line: Azarenka / Rybakina
(Get latest betting odds)
Elena Rybakina and Victoria Azarenka meet Thursday in the 2023 Australian Open semifinals. 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 Jelena Ostapenko that took 18 games to decide. In the victory, Rybakina won 76 percent of her first serve points and 50 percent of her second serve points. Rybakina won 66 percent of her total service points and converted on 4 of her 6 break points. Rybakina hit 11 aces in the victory and saved 7 of her 8 break points. Rybakina has won 10 of her 11 sets this tournament. Rybakina looks to make her second career grand slam final and first in the Australian Open. Rybakina won her only other grand slam semifinal, which came in last year’s Wimbledon. Rybakina has won 8 of her last 10 matches on hard court.
Victoria Azarenka Betting Preview
Azarenka is coming off a straight set win over Jessica Pegula that took 17 games to decide. In the victory, Azarenka won 68 percent of her first serve points and 52 percent of her second serve points. Azarenka won 61 percent of her total service points and converted on 5 of her 13 break points. Azarenka got 60 percent of her first serves in play and saved 2 of her 4 break points. Azarenka has won 5 straight matches for the first time since 2021 Indian Wells. Azarenka looks to make her first grand slam final since the 2020 US Open and her third Australian Open final trip. Azarenka is 5-3 in career grand slam semifinal matches. Azarenka has won 7 of her last 9 matches on hard court.
Rybakina vs Azarenka Match History
Rybakina won her only match against Azarenka, which was 2022 Indian Wells. The match was decided in straight sets and 19 games.
Randy’s Free Pick
Azarenka’s effort in her last match provides some confidence heading into this match. Outside of a few unforced errors, she’s hitting her spots consistently, and she has oodles of big match experience to lean on. However, Rybakina is just the stronger player until proven otherwise, and she’s mowed down back to back quality players. Outside of the third round match against Collins, Rybakina has barely broken a sweat in her previous matches. I have to side with Rybakina to make her second grand slam final, even if Azarenka making a grand slam final at 33 years old is a better story.
