Elena Rybakina produced a composed, hard-hitting display to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping Australian Open final on Saturday, securing her second Grand Slam title.
The fifth-seeded Kazakh held her nerve in a high-quality contest at Rod Laver Arena, prevailing 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in two hours and 18 minutes to lift the Melbourne crown.
The victory marked sweet revenge for Rybakina after Sabalenka beat her in the 2023 Australian Open final, another showdown between two of the most powerful hitters in women’s tennis.
Ice-cool under pressure, the 26-year-old — who was born in Moscow but represents Kazakhstan — added the Australian Open title to her 2022 Wimbledon triumph, further cementing her place among the sport’s elite.
“Hard to find the words now,” Rybakina said after the match, before addressing her opponent. “I know it is tough, but I hope we play many more finals together.”
She also acknowledged the support from the stands, adding, “Thank you so much to Kazakhstan. I felt the support from that corner a lot.”
For Sabalenka, it was another painful defeat on one of tennis’ biggest stages. The Belarusian, who won the US Open last year, was contesting her fourth Australian Open final in a row but fell short again, leaving the court visibly emotional.
“Let’s hope maybe next year will be a better year for me,” Sabalenka said afterward.
The match lived up to its billing, with both players trading thunderous baseline blows, but Rybakina’s composure in the deciding set ultimately proved decisive as she claimed her first title in Melbourne and her second major overall.
