Elena Rybakina claimed her first Australian Open title by defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the women's singles final at Melbourne Park. The victory marks Rybakina's second Grand Slam triumph, following her 2022 Wimbledon win. Sabalenka, seeking a third major, fell short in her second consecutive final loss here.
In a tightly contested match dominated by powerful serving, fifth-seeded Elena Rybakina outlasted top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka to secure the Australian Open women's singles crown on Saturday night. The Kazakhstani player, who entered as world No. 5, prevailed in three sets, showcasing efficiency in the first set and resilience during momentum swings.
The opening game set the tone, with Sabalenka broken despite landing seven first serves, allowing Rybakina to take an early lead. Rybakina, landing only 48 percent of her first serves in the first set, delivered crucial aces to hold firm, including three straight on break points at 4-3. Sabalenka mounted a comeback in the second set, winning eight straight points from 4-4 to level the match and extend to a 3-0 lead in the third. However, Rybakina reeled off five consecutive games, capitalizing on Sabalenka's unforced errors, including a key forehand into the net.
Sabalenka's variety—slices and net approaches that have defined her recent success—was largely neutralized by Rybakina's deep groundstrokes, limiting her to just six net points in the first two sets. This marks Rybakina's return to world No. 3 with 7,610 points, overtaking Amanda Anisimova and Coco Gauff, and placing her 368 points behind No. 2 Iga Swiatek. Sabalenka remains No. 1 with 10,990 points, her lead bolstered by Swiatek's earlier exit.
Prize money reflected the achievement: Rybakina earns A$4,150,000 (about US$2,888,400), up from last year's winner, while Sabalenka takes A$2,150,000 (about US$1,496,400). In her on-court interview, Rybakina said, “It’s hard to find words but I want to congratulate Aryna for amazing results for a couple of years. I know it’s tough, but I hope we’re going to play many more finals together.” Sabalenka replied, “Honestly, guys, I’m speechless right now... I want to congratulate you on an incredible run, incredible tennis.”
This result adds to Sabalenka's challenges in Grand Slam finals, where she now holds a 1-3 record in her last four appearances.