Rybakina Lifts Australian Open Trophy After Beating Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina delivered a commanding performance under the lights of Rod Laver Arena on Saturday, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to capture her maiden Australian Open crown.

The 26-year-old Kazakh clinched her second Grand Slam title overall, adding Melbourne’s Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup to her 2022 Wimbledon triumph in what was a high-quality, high-stakes rematch of the 2023 final.

From the first point, Rybakina played with intent and aggression, breaking Sabalenka in the opening game and dictating play with her booming serve and laser-like groundstrokes. She comfortably closed out the first set, leaving the top seed under early pressure.

Sabalenka, who arrived in Melbourne having won 46 of her last 48 hardcourt Grand Slam matches, responded like a champion in the second set, raising her intensity and leveling the match at one set apiece.

The decider turned into a thrilling shootout. Sabalenka raced to a 3-0 lead and looked poised to repeat her 2023 comeback, but Rybakina refused to fade. She clawed her way back, broke for 4-3, and never looked back — sealing the title with a thunderous ace.

The usually composed Rybakina allowed herself a rare moment of celebration, smiling and pumping her fist before embracing her team.

“It’s hard to find words right now,” Rybakina said during the trophy ceremony. “I want to congratulate Aryna for her amazing results in the last couple of years. I hope we play many more finals together.”

She also thanked the crowd and her supporters from Kazakhstan, saying she felt their energy throughout the tournament.

For Sabalenka, the loss was another painful near-miss in Melbourne. After being denied a “three-peat” last year by Madison Keys, she once again fell short in the final despite a blistering fortnight.

“I’m really speechless,” Sabalenka said. “Congratulations to Elena on an incredible run and incredible tennis. I love being here — hopefully next year will be better.”

The final was historic as the first Grand Slam championship match since 2008 featuring two players who had not dropped a set before the decider.

With this victory, Rybakina has firmly established herself as one of the few players capable of challenging Sabalenka’s hardcourt dominance — and a major force in women’s tennis going forward.