Elena Rybakina produced a thunderous display to beat firm favourite Aryna Sabalenka and win a maiden Australian Open title on Saturday, turning the tables on the world number one in their Melbourne Park final rematch from three years ago. Having beaten Rybakina from a similar situation in the 2023 title clash, Sabalenka unleashed a flurry of winners to go ahead 3-0, but the Kazakh erased the deficit and broke for 4-3 before securing victory to add to her All England club triumph..
After two hours and 18 minutes of nerve-shredding tennis, Rybakina prevailed 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in front of a packed Rod Laver Arena. Known for her devastating serve, she struck 47 aces during the tournament and fittingly sealed the championship with one final ace, before celebrating in disbelief and joy. For Rybakina, it was vindication — her second Grand Slam title after Wimbledon 2022, and the sweetest victory of her career.
ELENA RYBAKINA’S DOMINANCE CONTINUES
— Barstool Tennis (@StoolTennis) January 31, 2026
YOUR 2026 AUSTRALIAN OPEN CHAMPION
pic.twitter.com/cSBQo1ekOM
Although Sabalenka could not find an early break, the pressure she applied was relentless. Every return game forced Rybakina to hit extra balls, leading to errors under mounting strain. That pressure finally told in the 10th game, when Rybakina served to stay in the set. Sabalenka pounced, winning four points on the trot to secure her first break of the match—and the set.
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Elena Rybakina clinches maiden US Open crown, crushes Sabalenka