Daijiworld Media Network - Melbourne
Melbourne, Feb 1: Elena Rybakina clinched her second Grand Slam title by defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set final at the Australian Open on Saturday, showcasing remarkable composure and resilience under pressure.
The fifth-seeded Rybakina sealed a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory, closing the match with a calm ace after mounting a strong comeback in the deciding set. The win was particularly sweet for the Kazakhstan star, who had lost to Sabalenka in the Australian Open final in 2023.
Despite appearing outwardly unflustered, the 26-year-old later admitted the nerves were very real. “The heart rate was definitely beating too fast. Even maybe my face didn’t show, but inside it was a lot of emotions,” Rybakina said. “I knew that the only advantage I had at that moment was to serve it out.”
After taking the first set, Rybakina dropped the second and fell behind 3-0 in the third. However, she turned the match around by winning five consecutive games to regain control and close out the final in style.
This victory marks Rybakina’s second major title after her Wimbledon triumph in 2022. Four years ago, she had reached the Australian Open final but failed to convert after winning the opening set. This time, she ensured there was no repeat of that disappointment.
“It gives me a kind of relief and also a lot of confidence for the rest of the season,” she said. The win also capped an impressive run of form, with Rybakina now boasting 20 wins from her last 21 matches and 10 straight victories against Top-10 opponents. She is set to rise to world No. 3 in the rankings.
Rybakina credited a career turnaround to her victory over Sabalenka at the WTA Finals last November and paid tribute to her coach Stefano Vukov, who received recognition from tournament organisers. “Without my team, it wouldn’t have been possible. We had a lot going on last year, but we managed to turn it around,” she said.
For Sabalenka, the defeat marked her second consecutive Australian Open final loss, following last year’s upset against Madison Keys. “Today I’m a loser, maybe tomorrow I’m a winner,” Sabalenka said, reflecting on a missed opportunity after leading early in the third set.
As the Kazakhstan flag was unfurled at Rod Laver Arena, Rybakina celebrated a defining moment in her career, letting her powerful serve and steely resolve speak louder than any emotion.