The percentages are stacked in opposition to Keys as she hopes to disclaim Sabalenka, who gained the Australian and US Open finals in straight units final 12 months.
Sabalenka has gained 4 of her 5 earlier conferences with Keys, together with victory of their two earlier Slam encounters.
Their most up-to-date assembly at a serious, within the semi-finals of the US Open in 2023, was a very painful one for Keys.
The American served for the match with a 6-0 5-3 lead, just for Sabalenka to tug off a outstanding fightback to advance.
“I felt like I attempted to play secure. I wasn’t taking part in how I wished to within the large moments,” Keys mentioned of that defeat.
“That felt so dangerous. I did not need to be in the identical state of affairs the place I appeared again and thought ‘I ought to have gone for it’.
“I did not need to have any regrets.”