Elena Rybakina claims Australian Open title, defeats No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka for second Grand Slam win
Elena Rybakina captured her second Grand Slam title Saturday with a hard-fought victory over top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open, capping a quiet but determined run through the tournament.
The 26-year-old, representing Kazakhstan, secured the win 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 after rallying from a 3-0 deficit in the final set. Her composure on court contrasted with the intensity of the match: a small fist pump, a brief embrace with Sabalenka, and a wave to the crowd marked her understated celebration. Rybakina’s calm belied the emotions she felt inside, reflecting a player who has learned to close matches quickly after struggling in tight moments earlier in the tournament.
Rybakina first broke through for a Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2022 but had not reached another major final until this tournament. Her resurgence followed a career-shaping win over Sabalenka at the WTA Finals last year, and she now holds a 20-1 record across her last 21 matches, including a 10-0 record against Top 10 opponents. The victory moves her back up to No. 3 in the world rankings.
The final showcased Rybakina’s resilience: she took the first set, lost the second, and then turned the tide in the third, winning five straight games after falling behind. Her serve remained strong throughout, including six aces, and she successfully defended six break-point opportunities. Sabalenka, meanwhile, struggled to maintain control and saw a 3-0 lead in the third quickly vanish.
Rybakina credited her team, particularly coach Stefano Vukov, who returned from a suspension last year, for helping her navigate the challenges of 2025. “It’s a win for all the team, all the people who support me,” she said, emphasizing the importance of their guidance and preparation.
The win also marked a personal triumph over past setbacks: three years ago, Rybakina lost the Australian Open final after winning the first set, and she had faced periods of inconsistency following her Wimbledon victory. Now, she enters the 2026 season with renewed confidence, having proven she can close out high-stakes matches against elite competition.
For Sabalenka, the loss marked consecutive Australian Open final defeats, adding to a mixed start to the year despite her major victories over the last three seasons. Rybakina, in contrast, let her game speak for itself, blending precision, mental toughness, and strategic play to capture the title.
Kazakhstan’s flag was raised at Rod Laver Arena as Rybakina paraded the trophy and posed for photos with her team, a celebration of both personal and professional triumph after a challenging period in her career.
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