RYBAKINA DEFEATS SABALENKA TO WIN SECOND GRAND SLAM TITLE AT AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Elena Rybakina on Saturday won her second Grand Slam title after defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set final at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The fifth-seeded Kazakhstani player rallied to a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory, sealing the match with an ace to complete a comeback in the deciding set and avenge her loss to Sabalenka in the 2023 final.

Rybakina, who won Wimbledon in 2022, began the final strongly by breaking serve in the opening game and claiming the first set.

Sabalenka responded by taking the second set before racing to a 3-0 lead in the third.

However, Rybakina regained control by winning five consecutive games to turn the match around and close out the contest with a composed finish.

Even if it didn’t show, inside there were a lot of emotions,” Rybakina said, describing her calm demeanour during the final stages. “It gives me relief and a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.

”The victory capped a strong resurgence for the 26-year-old, who endured a turbulent start to 2025 that included the suspension of her coach, Stefano Vukov.

She ended the 2025 season by winning the WTA Finals in November and has since recorded 20 wins from her last 21 matches.

Rybakina is now unbeaten in her last 10 matches against top-10 opponents and is set to return to world number three in the rankings.

Following the match, Kazakhstan’s flag was unfurled at Rod Laver Arena as Rybakina celebrated with her team.

She paid tribute to her coach and support staff, thanking them for standing by her during a challenging period.

“It’s a win for the whole team,” she said. “We’ve been through a lot together, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.

”For Sabalenka, the loss marked a second consecutive defeat in the Australian Open final, following her upset loss to Madison Keys last year.

The Belarusian admitted she struggled to regain momentum after losing her early advantage in the third set.“Of course, I have regrets,” Sabalenka said. “When you lead 3-0 and then suddenly you’re down a break, it happens very fast. She played great tennis.

”Rybakina finished the match with six aces and maintained composure as Sabalenka’s emotions intensified, allowing her steady and powerful game to prevail in the decisive moments.

The win positions Rybakina as one of the early front-runners for the 2026 season after reclaiming Grand Slam success in Melbourne.