MELBOURNE, Jan 31 – Elena Rybakina showcased a powerful performance to overcome top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka and secure her first Australian Open title on Saturday. The victory marks a reversal from their 2023 final encounter, with Rybakina triumphing 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to claim her second Grand Slam trophy following her 2022 Wimbledon success.
Path to Victory
Rybakina, the fifth seed, demonstrated consistent dominance throughout the tournament, staying under the spotlight while adding the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup to her achievements. This win also follows her WTA Finals victory over Sabalenka last year. The 26-year-old Moscow-born Kazakh, who will ascend to world number three behind Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, expressed her joy after the match.
“It’s an incredible achievement,” Rybakina said. “I’m super happy and proud. It was a really tough battle. I didn’t expect to turn it around. I got some opportunities. Aryna is a very tough opponent, but I’m super happy that this time I’m holding the trophy.”
First Set Surge
In this rare Grand Slam final since 2008 where both players entered without dropping a set, Rybakina struck first. She broke Sabalenka in the opening game under the Rod Laver Arena roof, using her booming serves and groundstrokes to disrupt the world number one’s rhythm. Rybakina reached set point in the 10th game and converted it decisively, putting pressure on the two-time champion.
Second Set Shift
Sabalenka, boasting 46 wins in her last 48 hardcourt Grand Slam matches, regrouped for the second set. She started aggressively, but Rybakina saved three breakpoints to hold serve at 1-1. A forehand error from Rybakina gifted Sabalenka a break, allowing the Belarusian to force a third set.
Deciding Third Set
Drawing from her 2023 win over Rybakina in a similar scenario, Sabalenka raced to a 3-0 lead with a series of winners. However, Rybakina mounted a comeback, breaking back to tie at 3-3 and then securing the lead at 4-3. She sealed the match with a powerful ace, celebrating with a fist pump and hugs for her team.
Only a year prior, Rybakina defended her coach Stefano Vukov amid a WTA investigation, which cleared him in August. Vukov delivered a candid talk during the third set when Rybakina trailed, urging more energy, which sparked her resurgence.
“I want to say thank you to my team. Without you, it wouldn’t be possible,” Rybakina added. “We had a lot of things going on, and I’m glad we achieved this result. Hopefully, we can keep going strong this year.”
Impact and Reactions
This triumph elevates tennis’s popularity in Kazakhstan, which Rybakina has represented since 2018 after receiving support there. For Sabalenka, seeking a third straight Melbourne title after last year’s loss to Madison Keys, the defeat brought visible disappointment as she covered her face with a towel.
“She played an incredible match, and I tried my very best,” Sabalenka said afterward. “I was fighting until the very last point. I had my opportunities. It feels like I missed a couple, but it’s tennis. Today you’re a loser; tomorrow you’re a winner. Hopefully, I’ll be more of a winner than a loser this season. I’m hoping right now and praying.”
