Sabalenka and Rybakina Book Australian Open Final Showdown
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina have both secured their places in the Australian Open final, setting up a highly anticipated rematch of their 2023 title decider. The two formidable players demonstrated their dominance in the semi-finals, with neither dropping a set throughout the tournament so far.
Sabalenka's Commanding Victory Over Svitolina
Sabalenka delivered a powerful performance to defeat Elina Svitolina with a convincing scoreline of 6-2, 6-3. The Belarusian star, known for her aggressive play and formidable power, controlled the match from the outset, leaving Svitolina struggling to find answers to her relentless assault.
This victory marks Sabalenka's seventh consecutive major final on hard courts, underscoring her exceptional prowess on this surface. Since her first Australian Open triumph in 2023, she has reached the final every year, securing another title in 2024 and narrowly losing to Madison Keys in a thrilling encounter last year.
The match featured a notable incident where umpire Louise Azemar Engzell penalised Sabalenka for a hindrance call early in the fourth game. Sabalenka, renowned for her loud grunting, expressed surprise at the decision, stating it had never happened to her before. "That's actually never happened to me," Sabalenka remarked. "Especially with my grunting, it's so off I think. I was exhaling and it just happened naturally." She added that the call ultimately fuelled her aggression, benefiting her game.
In a gesture to avoid controversy, the crowd was informed before the match and the final game that there would be no handshake between Sabalenka and Svitolina. This protocol respects the stance of Ukrainian players, who have refrained from shaking hands with Russian or Belarusian opponents since the invasion of Ukraine four years ago. Sabalenka expressed respect for this decision, emphasising mutual professional respect between the players.
Svitolina, playing in her first Australian Open semi-final at age 31, reflected on her role in representing Ukraine during challenging times. "I have this amazing opportunity to play on centre court here, represent my country, to do it in a decent way," she said. "People really are living a horrible and terrifying life in Ukraine, so I should not be allowed to really be sad, because I'm a very, very lucky person." Despite the loss, she will celebrate a return to the top 10 rankings next Monday.
Rybakina's Triumph Over Pegula
Elena Rybakina continued her impressive form by defeating sixth seed Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-6 (7). The Kazakh player, who ended last season by winning the WTA Finals, has carried that momentum into 2026, showcasing her formidable power and precision.
Rybakina's journey to this final is her first since her run here three years ago, overcoming challenges including the temporary ban of her coach, Stefano Vukov, last year. Vukov denied any wrongdoing and was supported by Rybakina, with the suspension later lifted on appeal.
Pegula, in her first Melbourne semi-final, mounted a gutsy fightback in the second set, saving three match points at 5-3 and breaking Rybakina's serve twice when victory seemed imminent. However, Rybakina's resilience shone through as she edged the tie-break to secure her place in the final.
Anticipated Final Clash
The stage is now set for a thrilling final between Sabalenka and Rybakina. If their 2023 encounter is any indication, spectators can expect a high-octane match filled with intense rallies and dramatic moments. In that previous final, Sabalenka fought back from a set down to claim her first Melbourne title, highlighting the competitive spirit both players bring to the court.
With both athletes in peak form and yet to drop a set in this tournament, the final promises to be a captivating spectacle for tennis fans worldwide. The match will not only determine the Australian Open champion but also reinforce the legacy of these two exceptional players in the sport.
