Keys To The Match
A. Sabalenka
-
Unleash powerful first serves and unreturned aces to control service games and build momentum from the start.
-
Press forward with heavy backhand drives to push Bai deep and dictate rallies from the baseline.
-
Mix in surprise backhand dropshots to drag Bai forward and create easy finishing chances at the net.
China
Z. Bai
-
Use strong first serve returning to step inside the baseline and apply early pressure on Sabalenka's deliveries.
-
Extend rallies with consistent depth and patience to draw errors when points stretch beyond short exchanges.
-
Deploy smart second serve variety to neutralize Sabalenka's return positioning and hold serve under pressure.
Path To Victory
A. Sabalenka
| R1 |
|
6
-
4
6
-
1
|
| R2 |
|
Upcoming
21st Jan |
|
Winner of
A. Potapova or E. Raducanu |
||
China
Z. Bai
| R1 |
|
4
-
6
6
-
2
6
10
-
7
12
|
| R2 |
|
Upcoming
21st Jan |
|
Winner of
A. Potapova or E. Raducanu |
||
Recent Performances
Prior to AO26
A. Sabalenka
Season 2026
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Season 2025
|
||||
|
||||
|
China
Z. Bai
Season 2026
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Season 2025
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Top Ranked / Year
A. Sabalenka
China
Z. Bai
| 1 | 2026 | 697 |
| 1 | 2025 | 698 |
| 1 | 2024 | 307 |
| 2 | 2023 | 88 |
| 5 | 2022 | 332 |
| 2 | 2021 | 668 |
| 10 | 2020 | 872 |
| 11 | 2019 | 825 |