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Jake Michaels
Multiple Authors
MELBOURNE, Australia — Elena Rybakina was declared the Australian Open champion after overcoming top seed Aryna Sabalenka, rallying from behind in the final set to win 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
After sharing the first two sets at Rod Laver Arena, Sabalenka seemed to take control in the third, breaking Rybakina early and surging to a 3-0 lead.
yet, Rybakina, ranked No. 5 in the world, responded by claiming five consecutive games to regain the momentum. She calmly finished the match with an ace, securing her second Grand Slam title and reversing her previous defeats to Sabalenka in the 2023 Australian Open and the 2021 Wimbledon finals.
After the championship point, the two players embraced at the net. Rybakina then celebrated by tapping her racket strings and raising her arm to the ecstatic crowd.
“Holding this trophy is incredible,” Rybakina stated, noting that she was born in Russia but competes for Kazakhstan. “I knew I had to take risks when I had the chance and just go for it… not wait for errors or lengthy rallies.”
“It was challenging to come back in the third set. I’m pleased I managed to calm myself, focus on each point, and not get frustrated. I’m extremely happy.”
The thrilling final, lasting 2 hours and 18 minutes, showcased razor-thin margins, with both athletes achieving exactly 92 points. yet, Rybakina was sharper in crucial moments.
Rybakina won 64% of points at critical junctures (30-30 or 40-40) and 75% when facing break points. She placed 72% of her service returns in play during the final set, compared to Sabalenka’s 59%.
Another pivotal factor in Rybakina’s triumph was her ability to counter the four-time Grand Slam champion’s power and aggression with her heavy ball-striking and fearless play.
Rybakina displayed her bold strategy early by breaking Sabalenka’s serve in the first game, taking calculated risks despite Sabalenka’s successful first serve rate.
This approach was instrumental in navigating the intense contest and ultimately securing the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, presented by former Australian Open champion Jennifer Capriati.
“I played well until a certain point, then struggled against her aggression today,” a disappointed Sabalenka commented. “I have no regrets. I should have been more assertive on my serve, but she played phenomenally. Today she was the superior player.”
The Australian Open title signifies a significant comeback for Rybakina, who is set to rise to world No. 3 when the latest WTA rankings are published on Monday.
At 26, Rybakina concluded last year with semifinal finishes in both Toronto and Cincinnati WTA 1000 events before clinching the title at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Since her 2022 Wimbledon victory, Rybakina boasts a tour-leading 37-6 record, and her latest win over Sabalenka extends her unbeaten streak against top-10 players to a career-best 10 matches.
“I always believed I could return to my previous level,” Rybakina reflected. “We all experience highs and lows. Many might have thought I’d never reach another final or win another trophy, but it’s all about hard work.”
“As you achieve significant wins against top players, your confidence increases, and you begin to believe more. That’s the pathway.”
This loss marks Sabalenka’s second consecutive defeat in an Australian Open final, having been defeated by Madison Keys in three sets last year. She claimed the title in both of the two preceding years.
Sabalenka entered the 2026 final against Rybakina boasting a 12-match winning streak and a remarkable 22 consecutive sets won this year.
“That’s tennis; one day you’re a loser, the next a winner,” Sabalenka said. “I hope to have more wins than losses this season.”
