RYBAKINA CLAIMS AUSTRALIAN OPEN CROWN
Elena Rybakina has etched her name into tennis history with a stunning victory at the 2026 Australian Open, outlasting world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set women’s singles final at Melbourne Park.
The 26-year-old Kazakh, known for her booming serve and ice-cold composure, won 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to secure her first Australian Open title and second Grand Slam trophy overall.
Rybakina broke early and claimed the first set, only to see Sabalenka claw back in the second with ferocious power. Down 3-0 in the third set, Rybakina didn’t panic; she ripped off five straight games, showing remarkable resilience and tactical poise under pressure.
An ace on her first championship point sealed it, prompting cheers around Rod Laver Arena.
This triumph was more than just a trophy. It was sweet revenge for Rybakina, who had lost to Sabalenka in the 2023 Australian Open final.
Breaking through this time solidifies her position among the elite of women’s tennis, pushing her back up to a career-high world No. 3.
Rybakina’s Melbourne run was defined by consistency and fearlessness; she dispatched several top-10 players en route to the final, including Iga Świątek and Jessica Pegula.
Her big serves and calm demeanour often left opponents scrambling, a contrast to Sabalenka’s fiery, emotional style that’s become part of her trademark.
Fans and pundits alike hailed the match as one of the most compelling women’s finals in recent years, not just for its high level of play but for the narrative of redemption and grit.
Image credit: Reuters