Elena Rybakina claimed her first Australian Open title on Saturday, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a high-quality final at Melbourne Park. The fifth seed delivered a powerful and composed performance to turn the tables on Sabalenka in a rematch of their final from three years ago.
Returning to the scene of her disappointment in 2023, the 26-year-old Kazakh completed a statement victory to secure her second Grand Slam trophy, adding the Australian Open crown to her Wimbledon title from 2022. The win further cemented Rybakina’s reputation as one of the few players capable of consistently challenging Sabalenka’s dominance on hard courts.
Rybakina capped a fortnight of efficient, authoritative tennis, largely flying under the radar, as she lifted the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup. Her résumé already includes the 2025 WTA Finals title, where she also defeated Sabalenka, and this latest triumph underlined her growing stature at the top of the women’s game.
“It’s hard to find words right now, but I want to congratulate Aryna for her amazing results over the last couple of years,” Rybakina said during the trophy ceremony. “I hope we’re going to play many more finals together. Thank you so much to the fans and to Kazakhstan. I really felt the support. This truly is the Happy Slam, and I always enjoy playing here.”
In the first Grand Slam final since 2008 to feature two players who had not dropped a set en route to the championship match, it was Sabalenka who faltered first. Under the closed roof of Rod Laver Arena, Rybakina burst out of the gates, breaking serve in the opening game and quickly seizing control. Her clean, heavy ball-striking unsettled the two-time Australian Open champion, and she closed out the first set 6-4, sending early warning signs across the net.
Sabalenka, who had arrived in Melbourne with 46 hard-court Grand Slam wins from her previous 48 matches, regrouped in the second set. The top seed began to find her rhythm and, after Rybakina saved three break points early on, capitalized on a loose forehand to level the match at one set apiece.
The final set became a tense shootout, reminiscent of their 2023 title clash. Sabalenka surged ahead 3-0 with a barrage of winners, appearing to have the upper hand once again. But Rybakina calmly erased the deficit, breaking back to take a 4-3 lead before holding firm under pressure. She sealed the victory with a thunderous ace, then stepped forward with a rare smile and a fist pump before celebrating with her team.
Sabalenka, who had been denied an Australian Open three-peat by American Madison Keys in last year’s final, was left heartbroken once more. Draping a towel over her head as she sat courtside, the Belarusian later addressed the crowd with visible emotion.
“I’m really speechless right now,” Sabalenka said. “I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible run and incredible tennis. This is a huge achievement. I love being here and playing in front of you all. Your support is amazing, and I hope next year will be a better year.”
For Rybakina, the victory marked another major milestone, confirming her place among the elite and showcasing her ability to rise to the biggest moments on the sport’s grandest stages.