Will Aryna Sabalenka claim her third straight Australian Open title? Or will Madison Keys pull off another huge upset to win her first Grand Slam title? Our experts weigh in on who will capture the Australian Open women’s title.
What can Keys do to defeat Sabalenka?
Rennae Stubbs: Keys has to believe she is capable of doing this. It’s going to come down to her mentality and if she truly believes she is good enough. Because she sure is. The tennis she has displayed this entire Australian summer has been outstanding. She has bigger weapons than any player on tour; it’s just a matter of belief.
Jarryd Barca: It’s been a terrific tournament for the 29-year-old who now has just one more obstacle to navigate in order to claim her first major: the world No. 1. Has she got the tools? Yep, and her powerful serve and forehand combination has troubled so many on her way to the final, including Iga Swiatek.
Will she cope with the challenge mentally? It seems like she’s in a great place there as well, as her gutsy semifinal — saving match points and applying relentless pressure — showcased. She can do it, but she needs to maintain her intensity from the very outset. Sabalenka won’t allow the same comeback opportunities Keys seemed to capitalize on on Thursday night,…
