Elena Rybakina has captured her first Australian Open title and second Grand Slam trophy, defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set final at Rod Laver Arena. In a rematch of their 2023 championship clash, the fifth-seeded Rybakina exacted sweet revenge, overcoming a mid-match surge from the Belarusian powerhouse to triumph 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a high-quality contest that lasted 2 hours and 18 minutes.
A Battle of Power and Resilience
The 2026 Australian Open final delivered on its promise as a showdown between the WTA Tour's two biggest hitters. Rybakina, who had been in imperious form throughout the fortnight—defeating World No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals and Jessica Pegula in the semis—started with immediate intent. She broke Sabalenka’s serve in the very first game of the match, using her trademark calm demeanor and thunderous groundstrokes to control the tempo. Rybakina served out the opening set 6-4, looking poised to run away with the title.
However, Sabalenka, appearing in her fourth consecutive Australian Open final, refused to yield. The two-time champion (2023, 2024) found her range in the second set, reducing her unforced errors and attacking Rybakina’s second serve with ferocity. Sabalenka leveled the match at one set apiece and appeared to seize total control early in the decider, racing to a formidable 3-0 lead.
The Turning Point: Rybakina’s Stunning Comeback
With the match seemingly slipping away, Rybakina produced a stunning turnaround that will be remembered as one of the great moments in Australian Open history. Trailing 0-3 in the third set, the 26-year-old Kazakh rediscovered her rhythm, reeling off five consecutive games to stun the Rod Laver Arena crowd.
Displaying nerves of steel, Rybakina broke Sabalenka twice in succession, utilizing her powerful forehand to dismantle the Belarusian's defense. Serving for the championship at 5-4, Rybakina didn't falter, closing out the match in fitting style with her signature weapon—an unreturnable ace down the T—to seal the victory.
"A Tough Battle": Rybakina Reflects on Victory
During the trophy presentation, a beaming Rybakina praised her opponent's consistency while celebrating her own breakthrough in Melbourne. "I want to congratulate Aryna for her amazing results in the last couple of years. I know how tough it is to be at the top," Rybakina said, clutching the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup. "Today was such a tough battle. I was down in the third set, but I just kept telling myself to fight for every point. It’s truly a 'Happy Slam' for me now."
Sabalenka's Melbourne Legacy Continues
For Aryna Sabalenka, the loss marks a second consecutive runner-up finish at Melbourne Park, following her defeat to Madison Keys in the 2025 final. Despite the heartbreak of falling short in her quest for a third title, Sabalenka remains a dominant force on hard courts. Her run to the 2026 final underscores her incredible consistency at the season's first major, having now reached the championship match in four straight years.
"It's tough to lose, especially when you are up in the third set," Sabalenka admitted in her post-match interview. "But Elena played incredible tennis. She deserved it today. I'll be back stronger next year."
Rankings Shake-Up and Season Outlook
With this victory, Elena Rybakina cements her status as the player to beat in the 2026 season. The win propels her back to World No. 3 in the live rankings, narrowing the gap on Sabalenka and Swiatek at the summit of women's tennis. Her ability to defeat the world's top players back-to-back—Swiatek, Pegula, and Sabalenka—sends a clear message to the tour: the "Ice Queen" has fully arrived, and her game is more complete than ever.
As the tour moves away from Australia, the rivalry between Rybakina and Sabalenka promises to define the year, with both players sitting firmly at the peak of their powers.
