MELBOURNE, Jan 31 – Elena Rybakina expressed delight in rediscovering her top form after defeating leading players Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek en route to her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open on Saturday.
Final Victory and Career Milestone
The 26-year-old from Kazakhstan overcame world number one Sabalenka with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 scoreline in the final on Rod Laver Arena. This victory marks her second major championship, following her 2022 Wimbledon breakthrough.
Her path included a strong quarter-final performance against Swiatek, contributing to an impressive streak of 14 wins in her last 15 matches. This run also encompasses her WTA Finals success from the previous year.
Reflections on Performance and Rivals
Rybakina highlighted the challenge posed by her opponents. “They’re tough competitors with outstanding records, consistently holding the top spots,” she told reporters. “I’m thrilled to return to this level and aim to maintain consistency throughout the season, delivering strong tennis and solid results.”
She added, “The matches here were demanding, but I’m grateful for the chances I seized during play, leading to the ultimate win.”
Path to Improvement
Entering the tournament after a quarter-final exit at the Brisbane International, Rybakina noted gradual progress as key to her success. “I competed in Brisbane and fell short there, but over the recent weeks, I’ve seen real improvement,” she explained.
“Every match varied, but my serve started weaker, and my movement wasn’t as sharp as in the semi-final against Jessica Pegula or today’s final. I’m immensely proud of the efforts with my team and finding peak performance at this Grand Slam.”
