Elena Rybakina claims her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
MELBOURNE, Australia — Elena Rybakina secured the Australian Open title with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win against top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday, avenging her defeat in the championship match here in 2023.
Four years prior, she took the first set but ultimately lost the final in three sets. This time, after breaking serve in the opening game and winning the first set, she bounced back after dropping the second set and falling behind 3-0 in the third. She won five consecutive games and finished the match with an ace on her first championship point.
This victory marked Rybakina’s second major title, having previously won Wimbledon in 2022 and entering that Australian final four years ago as the sole major champion in the match.
While Sabalenka went on to capture three additional major titles, including consecutive victories in Australia and the 2024 and ’25 U.S. Open, Rybakina’s performance declined, and she did not reach another major final until this tournament.
A victory over Sabalenka at the WTA Finals last November has altered her career path.
Rybakina was aggressive from the outset, showcasing a powerful serve with six aces, and aside from the two breaks at the end of the second set and the beginning of the third, she successfully defended against six of the breakpoint opportunities she encountered.
As Sabalenka’s vocalizations and self-encouragement grew more intense throughout the match, Rybakina maintained a calm, almost tranquil demeanor.
Ultimately, she allowed her serve and returns to speak for her.
The two embraced at the net. Rybakina tapped her left hand on the strings of her racket and raised her arm to the audience in celebration.
Source: espn.com
