Elena Rybakina mounted a stunning comeback from a break down in the final set to defeat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 and win her first Australian Open title on Saturday. The fifth seed’s victory solidifies her status as the premier player on the women’s tour, returning her to a career-high ranking of No. 3.
Trailing 3-0 in the deciding set, Rybakina drew on her renowned resilience to reel off six of the next seven games, producing fearless first-strike tennis under pressure. The match featured only five rallies of more than nine shots, underscoring the aggressive style of both champions. Rybakina’s composure in the face of Sabalenka’s power ultimately proved decisive.
This is Rybakina’s second grand slam title, following her Wimbledon victory in 2022. The 26-year-old has been in imperious form, having also won the WTA Finals in November with a commanding win over Sabalenka. Her triumph in Melbourne comes amid off-court distractions, including the suspension of her longtime coach Stefano Vukov for alleged verbal abuse, which was lifted on appeal in August.
For Sabalenka, the defeat marks her fourth loss in eight major finals. Despite matching Rybakina’s aggression and forcing a third set, she faltered under pressure when serving for the match. The Belarusian remains a formidable force, but her vulnerability in high-stakes moments was laid bare once again.
Rybakina’s victory caps a remarkable rise from outside the top 10 in July to the pinnacle of the sport. With her blend of power and poise, she has established herself as the player to beat on the WTA tour.
