Elena Rybakina produced a thunderous display to dismantle Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 on Saturday to capture her maiden Australian Open title, turning the tables on the world number one in their Melbourne Park final rematch from three years ago.
Rybakina returned to the site of her heartbreak in 2023 to complete an impressive victory and earn her second Grand Slam trophy after Wimbledon 2022, underlining her credentials as the player best equipped to puncture Sabalenka’s hardcourt dominance.
The 26-year-old capped a fortnight of relentless efficiency while largely flying under the radar, adding the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup to a résumé that also includes the 2025 WTA Finals crown, where she defeated Sabalenka.
“It’s hard to find words now, but I want to congratulate Aryna for her amazing results in the last couple of years. I hope we’re going to play many more finals together,” said the Kazakh star.
“I want to say thank you to you guys (the fans). Thank you so much to Kazakhstan. I felt the support from that corner a lot. It’s really a Happy Slam, and I always enjoy coming here and playing in front of you.”
In the first Grand Slam final since 2008 featuring two players who had not dropped a set, top seed Sabalenka blinked first under the Rod Laver Arena roof as Rybakina came out firing, breaking in the opening game to seize control.
The fifth seed’s powerful ball-striking caused major problems for the two-time champion, who conceded the opening set as Rybakina closed it out in the 10th game.
Sabalenka, who had arrived with 46 hardcourt Grand Slam wins from her last 48 matches, found her rhythm in the second set and capitalised on a Rybakina error to level the contest.
The deciding set turned into a tense shootout. Sabalenka surged to a 3-0 lead, but Rybakina clawed her way back, breaking for 4-3 before sealing victory with a massive ace.
Rybakina allowed herself a rare emotional moment, smiling and pumping her fist before celebrating with her team.
Sabalenka, denied a historic Australian Open three-peat after losing last year’s final to Madison Keys, was left heartbroken once again.
“I’m really speechless right now,” she said. “I want to congratulate you on an incredible run and incredible tennis. You guys are incredible support. Let’s hope next year is going to be a better year.”
