Elena Rybakina produced a stunning comeback to defeat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and capture the Australian Open title, prevailing 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a thrilling final at Rod Laver Arena on Saturday.
In a match defined by fine margins and relentless power, Rybakina showed remarkable composure to overturn a deficit in the deciding set and claim her second Grand Slam crown. The victory also served as sweet revenge for the Kazakhstani star, who had previously lost to Sabalenka in the 2023 Australian Open final and the 2021 Wimbledon championship match.
After splitting the opening two sets, Sabalenka looked poised to take control of the contest. The top seed broke Rybakina early in the third set — only the second break she had managed all match — and surged ahead to a 3-0 lead, energizing the Melbourne crowd.
But Rybakina, ranked world No. 5, responded with authority. Refusing to panic, she raised her aggression and reeled off five consecutive games to completely flip the momentum. Showing ice-cold nerve, she closed out the match with an emphatic ace to seal a 2-hour, 18-minute battle and lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
At the net, the two rivals shared a respectful embrace, before Sabalenka acknowledged the crowd with a raised racket, while Rybakina soaked in the roar from the packed grandstands.
“It’s amazing to hold this trophy,” Rybakina said during the on-court ceremony. “I knew that if I got the chance to lead, I had to take risks and go for my shots — not wait for mistakes or get stuck in long rallies.”
She added: “It was tough to come back in the third set. I’m really happy that I stayed calm, didn’t get frustrated, and focused on every point. I’m super happy.”
Statistically, the contest could hardly have been closer. Both players finished with exactly 92 points won, underlining how razor-thin the difference was. Yet in the biggest moments, it was Rybakina who delivered. She won 64 percent of points played at deuce or 30-30, saved 75 percent of break points she faced, and landed an impressive 72 percent of her service returns in the deciding set.
Sabalenka, by contrast, managed just 59 percent of third-set returns in play — a key factor in her inability to halt Rybakina’s surge.
Another decisive element was Rybakina’s fearless approach against Sabalenka’s trademark power. She signaled her intent early by breaking Sabalenka’s opening service game with bold, high-risk shot-making, even as the world No. 1 landed seven of eight first serves.
That aggressive mindset carried Rybakina through the ebb and flow of the match and ultimately to the championship trophy, which was presented by former Australian Open champion Jennifer Capriati.
Sabalenka was gracious in defeat, acknowledging her opponent’s superior play on the day. “I played great until a certain point, and then I couldn’t resist the aggression she brought today,” she said. “Maybe I should have been more aggressive on my serve when I had the break, but she played incredible. Today, she was the better player.”
The Australian Open triumph marks a significant milestone in Rybakina’s resurgence. The 26-year-old will rise to world No. 3 when the latest WTA rankings are released, capping a remarkable return to the top of the women’s game.
Rybakina ended last season strongly with semifinal runs in Toronto and Cincinnati before winning the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Since Wimbledon last year, she has compiled a tour-best 37-6 record and extended her winning streak against top-10 opponents to a career-high 10 matches.
“I always believed I could come back to this level,” Rybakina said. “When you get big wins against top players, you start believing more. Confidence comes with the work.”
For Sabalenka, the loss marks her second consecutive Australian Open final defeat, following last year’s three-set loss to Madison Keys. She had entered the 2026 final riding a 12-match winning streak and having dropped just one set all season.
“It’s tennis,” Sabalenka said philosophically. “Today you’re a loser, tomorrow you’re a winner. Hopefully this season I’ll be more of a winner.”
