In the women's singles final on Saturday (January 27), Chinese star Qinwen Zheng will be facing the reigning Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka, who will be the overwhelming favorite to defend her title.
The World No.2 is yet to drop a set in the current Grand Slam, winning all her games up until now in straight sets. She defeated World No.4 Coco Gauff in the semi-final.
Zheng, who is seeded 12th in the world, is appearing in her first-ever Grand Slam singles final, bettering her US Open 2023 quarterfinal finish which was her previous best result in any Grand Slam. The 21-year-old defeated Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska in the semi-final.
Will Sabalenka, the defending champion, continue her dominance, or will Cheng create history by causing a shock upset?
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Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng: Prediction
Heading into this game, Sabalenka is not just the bookmaker's favourite, but also the outright favourite to win the Australian Open women's singles final.
The Australian Open 2023 champion is ranked No.2 in the world, while Zheng is 10 places below in the rankings at No.12.
While rankings might not matter much in games of such magnitude, one must also consider that Zheng hasn't faced a single top 50 opponent throughout the tournament, getting favourable matchups. Meanwhile, Sabalenka is yet to drop a set.
Although Zheng has significanty improved in the past year or so, it's hard to see her cause an upset over Sabalenka. But, never say never in sports!
Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng: Head-to-head
Sabalenka and Zheng have met just once previously, in the quarterfinals of the US Open 2023. The Belarusian beat the Chinese in straight sets.
| Date | Tournament | Surface | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 6, 2023 | US Open - Quarterfinals | Hard court | Aryna Sabalenka 6-1 6-4 |
Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng: Australian Open TV channel, live stream details
The Sony Sports Network have acquired both the broadcasting and live streaming rights for the Australian Open 2024. Four TV channels, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 2 HD, Sony Ten 5, Sony Ten 5 HD, broadcast the games on TV. On the other hand, fans can use the Sony LIV app/website to live stream.
| TV Channel | Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 2 HD, Sony Ten 5, Sony Ten 5 HD |
| Live Streaming | Sony LIV app/website |
Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng: Betting odds
According to odds on Dafabet, Sabalenka is the overwhelming favourite to clinch her second consecutive Australian Open title.
| Player | Betting odds |
| Aryna Sabalenka | 1.17 |
| Qinwen Cheng | 5.40 |
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