Keys stands between Sabalenka and third straight Australian Open title

MELBOURNE : Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will battle American 19th seed Madison Keys in the final on Saturday looking to become the first woman since Martina Hingis from 1997-99 to win the Australian Open title three times in a row.

Also on Saturday, the men's doubles final sees Italians Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori take on Briton Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara of Finland.

'THREE-PEAT' DREAM CAN BECOME REALITY FOR SABALENKA

Sabalenka will be the overwhelming favourite to defeat Keys and complete the "three-peat" after prevailing in four of their five previous meetings, with the Belarusian slowly and steadily finding her best form in the major that has defined her career.

Although she has not shown the same kind of devastating form as her last two Melbourne Park campaigns, Sabalenka's mental toughness, consistency and sheer power have come to the fore at crucial times.

Victory on Saturday would see her become the sixth woman to win three straight Australian Open titles, joining Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Hingis.

"It's crazy that I'm in a situation where I have a chance to put my name next to legends," said Sabalenka, who is bidding for her fourth Grand Slam title after winning the 2024 U.S. Open.

"I couldn't dream about that. It's going to mean a lot."

The first world number one to reach the final at Melbourne Park since local favourite Ash Barty in 2022, Sabalenka can expect huge support as she goes for her 21st straight win on Rod Laver Arena.

"I just feel at home," Sabalenka added.

"Last year I thought, 'Okay, I feel at home, I feel so good here, I feel all the support'. This year I feel it even more. It feels like coming home to my home Slam."

KEYS READY TO SPRING ONE