Daijiworld Media Network - Melbourne
Melbourne, Jan 31: Fifth-seeded Elena Rybakina clinched the Australian Open women’s singles title on Saturday, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a gripping final to avenge her championship-match defeat in 2023.
Rybakina made a strong start by breaking Sabalenka in the opening game and sealing the first set. However, the top seed fought back to level the contest by taking the second set, before gaining early momentum in the decider by racing to a 3-0 lead.
But Rybakina staged a stunning turnaround, winning five consecutive games to regain control of the match. She then served out the title in style, sealing victory with an ace on her first championship point.
The triumph marks Rybakina’s second Grand Slam title, after her Wimbledon win in 2022. While Sabalenka went on to dominate the major circuit in recent years with multiple Grand Slam wins, Rybakina’s form dipped after her previous Australian Open final appearance, and she had not returned to a major final until this year.
Rybakina’s resurgence gathered pace after her win over Sabalenka at the WTA Finals last November. Going into the Australian Open final, she had recorded the most match wins on tour since Wimbledon and extended her hot streak to 20 wins in her last 21 matches.
Born in Moscow but representing Kazakhstan, Rybakina celebrated the historic win with her nation’s flag unfurled on court as she paraded the trophy.
“It’s hard to find words now. Of course I want to congrats Aryna on her amazing results for a couple of years,” the 26-year-old said. “I just hope we’re going to play many more finals together. It was a battle. Honestly.”
She also thanked her coaching team, including Stefano Vukov, who received recognition from tournament organisers as the champion’s coach.
“We had a lot of things going on. I’m really glad we achieved this result,” Rybakina said. “Hopefully we can keep going strong this year.”
For Sabalenka, it was another disappointing finish in Melbourne after suffering an upset defeat in last year’s final to Madison Keys.
“Let’s hope next year is a better result for me!” Sabalenka said.
Rybakina’s aggressive approach and powerful serve proved decisive. She struck six aces and remained composed under pressure, saving six of the breakpoint chances she faced. While Sabalenka’s trademark roars grew louder as the contest progressed, Rybakina stayed calm, letting her serve and returns do the talking.
After the final point, the two embraced at the net as Rybakina raised her arm to the crowd in triumph, sealing a memorable victory on the biggest stage in Melbourne.