Belarusian fifth seed Aryna Sabalenka beat Poland’s Magda Linette to reach her first major final where she will face Elena Rybakina.
The 24-year-old Belarusian won 7-6 (7-1) 6-2 against the unseeded Magda Linette who made it past the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time earlier in the week.
Sabalenka was always the heavy favourite to win and she grew in confidence as the match wore on.
After losing three times in major semi-finals, Sabalenka’s relief was much evident after securing her place in Saturday’s showpiece in Melbourne where she faces Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
The 23 year old Rybakina won 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 against Victoria Azarenka, ending the two-time champion’s hopes of winning the title 10 years after her last triumph.