Let the battle of the first-strike Queens of the WTA Tour begin when Aryna Sabalenka meets Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final.
While both ladies like to take command of the point early, my Sabalenka vs. Rybakina predictions expect Sabalenka to win this match in style.
Read on for my Australian Open betting picks for Saturday, January 31.
Rybakina vs Sabalenka prediction and best bet
- My match prediction: Sabalenka moneyline (-170 at Fanatics)
- My best bet: Under 22.5 (-115 at Fanatics)
Match analysis
Aryna Sabalenka is the winner because she’s the more consistent point-starter in this matchup.
Against Elena Rybakina, you can’t just rally and hope. You must take the middle early, attack first, and force her to defend.
That’s Sabalenka’s game.
Even when Rybakina is serving well, Sabalenka can still pressure return games with her pace and willingness to step in and crush second serves.
If Sabalenka gets an early break or wins one tight set, she’s the player most likely to keep her foot on the gas and win the Australian Open.
Best best analysis
Under 22.5 games is the best way to play the “winner usually wins clean” story without needing a perfect scoreline.
These two are first-strike players. When one of them lands first serves and takes the first ball early, points are short, and sets can tilt quickly.
That creates a lot of straight set finishes like 6-4, 6-3, or 6-3, 6-4, which cash this total with room to spare.
The extra game compared to Under 21.5 matters, too. It gives you room if one set is close, and it will go a long way in cashing this wager.
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Rybakina vs Sabalenka odds
| (5) Elena Rybakina | (1) Aryna Sabalenka | |
|---|---|---|
| +140 | Moneyline | -170 |
| +2.5 (-120) | Game spread | -2.5 (-120) |
| Over 22.5 (-115) | Total games | Under 22.5 (-120) |
Odds courtesy of Fanatics.
How to watch Rybakina vs Sabalenka
| Location | Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park, Australia |
| Date | Saturday, January 31, 2026 |
| Time | 3:30 a.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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