Elena Rybakina captured the Australian Open title on Saturday, defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka with scores of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. This win was a redemption for her after losing in the championship match here in 2023.
Four years ago, Rybakina took the first set but ended up losing in three. This time around, she broke Sabalenka in the first game and won the first set. Though she lost the second set and fell behind 3-0 in the third, she quickly turned things around.
She strung together five consecutive games and secured her championship point with a powerful ace.
This victory marked Rybakina’s second major title, adding to her Wimbledon win in 2022. Four years ago, she was the only major champion in the tournament.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, has had a successful run, clinching three more majors, including consecutive titles at the Australian Open and the U.S. Open in 2024 and 2025. However, Rybakina struggled to reach a major final until this year.
Rybakina’s career took a turn after her victory over Sabalenka at the WTA Finals last November.
She came out aggressive, hitting six aces and successfully saving six break point opportunities, aside from two breaks at the end of the second and the start of the third set.
As Sabalenka’s frustrations grew throughout the match, Rybakina maintained a surprisingly calm demeanor, letting her serve and returns do the talking.
After the match, the two players embraced at the net. Rybakina tapped the strings of her racket with her left hand and raised her arm in triumph to the crowd.
