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Australian tennis great Ash Barty believes world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka will be hard to defeat in the semi finals, but is backing a ‘smokey’ to get through on the other side.
Sabalenka is already a two-time champion and will be hoping to move one step closer to a third title when she faces 12th seed Elina Svitolina tonight.
Speaking to 3AW Radio, retired star Barty admitted that Sabalenka was the woman to beat in the women’s singles draw.
Aryna Sabalenka. Getty
“This is one of the best evening sessions to come to – you get to see quality players, some of the best in the world,” she said
“It’s hard to go past Aryna. She’s been so dominant at this event numerous times now.”
In the other semi, Elena Rybakina will take on Jessica Pegula for a spot in the final.
Barty believes the Kazakhstani player, who is ranked fifth, can go all the way.
“For me, Elena Rybakina was one of my smokies early in the event,” she said.
“The way she’s been able to move through the draw and dominate her matches has been really good.
“It’s a flip of a coin though when you’re playing the world’s best against the world’s best … the margins are so fine.”
Elena Rybakina. Getty
