Elena Rybakina delivered a powerful and composed performance to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka and lift her first Australian Open title on Saturday, reversing the result of their 2023 Melbourne final, MySportDab Reports.
The 26-year-old Kazakh overcame the top seed 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena to secure her second Grand Slam crown, adding to the Wimbledon title she won in 2022.
Rybakina’s victory further confirmed her reputation as one of the few players capable of disrupting Sabalenka’s dominance on hard courts.
Returning to the scene of her previous heartbreak, Rybakina set the tone early by breaking serve in the opening game. Her relentless ball-striking and calm execution put immediate pressure on the two-time Australian Open champion, allowing the fifth seed to take the opening set with authority.
Sabalenka responded in the second set, raising her intensity and capitalising on a rare error from Rybakina to level the match. With both players having reached the final without dropping a set, the contest developed into a high-quality shootout decided by fine margins.
In the decider, Sabalenka surged into a 3-0 lead, threatening to repeat her 2023 comeback. However, Rybakina showed remarkable resilience, reeling off four consecutive games to seize control before sealing victory with a thumping ace.
“I always enjoy coming here. It really is a Happy Slam for me,” Rybakina said after lifting the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, thanking her team and supporters from Kazakhstan..
For Sabalenka, the defeat ended hopes of a third consecutive Melbourne crown. Despite the disappointment, she praised Rybakina’s performance and the support from the crowd.
Rybakina capped a flawless tournament without dropping a set, underlining her status as a major force in women’s tennis as the 2026 season begins.
