Qinwen Zheng vs Aryna Sabalenka Prediction: Aryna will retain her crown

It's the final showdown of the Australian Open and two names to have made it to the final game are Qinwen Zheng and Aryna Sabalenka. Qinwen Zheng got the better of Dayana Yastremska in the previous round, as she won in straight sets, while Aryna Sabalenka saw off a challenge from Coco Gauff in straight sets to also book her place in the final round. Both players are meeting for the second time after Sabalenka won the first and only meeting between the two back in September 2023.

Qinwen Zheng must be in dreamland as she made it to her first Australian Open Final match. She had been a regular to the tournament in the past 2 years and in both times, she could not make it past the 2nd round. With just 2 career titles to her name, Qinwen Zheng will have all to play for when she faces Aryna Sabalenka in this epic battle.

Qinwen Zheng did not have much trouble disposing of Dayana Yastremska in the semifinals and she eventually won the game in straight sets after winning both sets 4:6,4:6. Her statistics in the game were: 4 aces, 28/37 first serve points won, 15/30 second serve points, 8/10 break points saved, 4 break points converted, 12 games won and 72 points won in total. 

Qinwen Zheng lost once against Aryna Sabalenka last year and hopefully she can make good of the bitter experience to edge her opposition in this game.

Aryna Sabalenka is considered favorite to come out with the name on her trophy. The 25 year old is back in the final stage once again after winning the trophy last year. She has been to the competition since her first appearance in 2018 until she won the tournament last year, beating Elena Rybakina 2:1. 

Aryna defeated Cori Gauff in the last round in straight sets, beating her 6:7,4:6 in both sets. Her stats in the game were: 4 aces, 2 double faults, 36/51 first serve points won, 7/16 second serve points won, 1/4 break points saved, 4 break points converted, 13 games won and a total of 82 points won in total.

Aryna Sabalenka has the experience and skills at her disposal, so it’s no doubt that she is favored to retain her crown against a newbie.

Qinwen Zheng and Aryna Sabalenka have played only 1 game prior to this clash and Aryna won the game in straight sets.

Aryna Sabalenka will feel lucky not to face a top player in the tournament and she can use her experience to her own advantage. We can’t rule out the chances of a shock here but Aryna is more likely to take this game seriously and not underrate her opposition.

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