Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen are each bidding for their very own slice of Australian Open historical past within the ladies’s singles ultimate on Saturday.
Belarusian Sabalenka is aiming to grow to be the primary lady since compatriot Victoria Azarenka in 2013 to efficiently defend the title in Melbourne.
Zheng, in the meantime, hopes to grow to be the primary Chinese language participant to win a serious singles title since Li Na, on the 10-year anniversary of Li’s memorable Australian Open triumph in 2014.
Sabalenka has been in devastating type in Australia, having not dropped a set on her method to the ultimate.
She additionally has the head-to-head benefit over Zheng, having gained their US Open quarter-final in straight units in September.
“We really practised right here earlier than the event, and she or he’s taking part in actually nice tennis,” Sabalenka, 25, mentioned.
“She’s a very nice woman and taking part in actually nice tennis as soon as once more. It may be an important battle.”
The ultimate takes place from 08:30 GMT on Rod Laver Area, with stay textual content and radio commentary on the BBC Sport web site and app.