Sabalenka & Zheng bid for history in Australian final
Written by I Dig SportsAryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen are both bidding for their own slice of Australian Open history in the women's singles final on Saturday.
Belarusian Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman since compatriot Victoria Azarenka in 2013 to successfully defend the title in Melbourne.
Zheng, meanwhile, hopes to become the first Chinese player to win a major singles title since Li Na, on the 10-year anniversary of Li's memorable Australian Open triumph in 2014.
Sabalenka has been in devastating form in Australia, having not dropped a set on her way to the final.
She also has the head-to-head advantage over Zheng, having won their US Open quarter-final in straight sets in September.
"We actually practised here before the tournament, and she's playing really great tennis," Sabalenka, 25, said.
"She's a really nice girl and playing really great tennis once again. It's going to be a great battle."
The final takes place from 08:30 GMT on Rod Laver Arena, with live text and radio commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.