2024 Australian Open Final Predictions and Preview: Sinner vs Medvedev and Zheng vs Sabalenka

• The 2024 Australian Open will conclude this weekend with a pair of mouth-watering finals matchups
• Jannik Sinner will look to win his first major title against Daniil Medvedev this coming Sunday
• Zheng Qinwen will look to emulate her idol Li Na and win the Australian Open against Aryna Sabalenka

Will we see a pair of first-time Grand Slam winners at the Australian Open this weekend?

Jannik Sinner and Zheng Qinwen will look to make history when they make their maiden appearance in a major final at Rod Laver Arena.

Sports Brief previews their upcoming final matches against Daniil Medvedev and Aryna Sabalenka.

Sinner vs. Medvedev Preview

Jannik Sinner proved yet again that he is Novak Djokovic's kryptonite, beating the world No. 1 in their semi-final matchup on Friday. He has now won three of his last four meetings with the 10-time Australian Open champion.

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The Italian star also did it in style, not allowing Djokovic a single break point opportunity the entire contest. He needed three hours and 22 minutes to record a convincing 6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (6), 6-3 victory.

It was a stunning victory by Sinner, who handed Djokovic his first-ever loss in the Australian Open semis. The 24-time Grand Slam champion had won his previous 10 semi-final matches in Melbourne.

Next up for Sinner is a showdown with Daniil Medvedev. The Russian star came back from two sets down to beat Alexander Zverev 5-7, 3-6, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3 in the semis.

With the come-from-behind victory, Medvedev reached his third Australian Open final. He lost his previous two attempts to win the title against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Medvedev holds a 6-3 advantage against Sinner in their head-to-head matchups, per ATP.

Writer's Prediction: Medvedev beats Sinner in four sets to win his first Australian Open title.

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Zheng vs. Sabalenka Preview

Zheng Qinwen moved to within a victory of her first-ever major singles title after beating Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals of the 2024 Australian Open.

History beckons for Zheng, who will be looking to become the first Chinese player to win a Grand Slam singles title since Li Na won the Australian Open 10 years ago in 2014.

Things are bound to get tougher, though, for Zheng, as standing in her way in the final is Aryna Sabalenka. The world No. 2 defeated Coco Gauff in straight sets in the semis to reach the Australian Open final for the second straight year.

Sabalenka is looking to create her own piece of history and become the first woman to successfully defend the Australian Open title since Belarusian compatriot Victoria Azarenka accomplished that feat in 2013.

Zheng and Sabalenka have faced each other just once before, with the latter winning their only matchup at last year's U.S. Open, per USA Today.

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Writer's Prediction: Zheng beats Sabalenka in three sets.

Unforced errors doom Djokovic in Sinner clash

Sports Brief recently reported on Sinner's win over Djokovic.

The Serbian star struggled in the first two sets, committing 29 unforced errors.

Sinner took full advantage, dropping just three games during that period.