Fifth seed Elena Rybakina defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka to win the Australian Open tennis final in Melbourne.
Published January 31, 2026
Elena Rybakina produced a stunning performance on Saturday to beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to win her first Australian Open title and turn the tables on the world number one from three years ago in a final rematch at Melbourne Park.
Rybakina returned to the land of heartbreak in 2023 with an impressive victory, clinching her second major trophy after Wimbledon in 2022 and underscoring her credentials as the player best suited to break through Sabalenka’s hard court aura.
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The 26-year-old achieved two weeks of relentless efficiency while largely under the radar, adding the Daphne Akherst Memorial Cup to her resume, which also includes her 2025 WTA Finals victory over Sabalenka.
“It’s hard to find words right now, but I would like to congratulate Alina on her great achievements over the past few years. I hope we can play together in many more finals,” said Kazakhstan’s Rybakina.
“I want to say thank you to everyone (the fans). Thank you so much to Kazakhstan. I really felt the support from that corner. It was a really happy slam and it’s always fun to come here and play in front of everyone.”
In the first Grand Slam final since 2008 between players who have yet to drop a set, it was top-seeded Sabalenka who blinked first under the roof of Rod Laver Arena as Rybakina stormed into the opener and came out at full speed to take control.
Kazakhstan’s fifth seed’s huge ball-striking caused two-time champion Sabalenka all sorts of problems, but she easily grabbed a set point in the 10th game and finished it off, sending the alarm bells ringing in the opponent’s dugout.
Four-time major champion Sabalenka, who arrived with 46 wins in her last 48 hard-court Grand Slam matches, improved and started the second set more aggressively, but Rybakina saved three break points to stay at 1-1.
Rybakina’s wayward forehand gave Sabalenka a chance to tie the score at one set apiece, and the Belarusian gleefully took it, making the final set a fateful shootout that could have been decided by either player.
Sabalenka, who defeated Rybakina in similar circumstances in the 2023 title fight, hit a series of winners to go up 3-0, but the Kazakh erased the lead and broke at 4-3 to seal victory and further enhance her win at the All England Club.
The knockout blow was a huge ace, and afterward the normally reserved Rybakina stepped forward, smiling, pumping her fist and celebrating with her team.
Sabalenka, who was denied a three-peat at the Australian Open by American outsider Madison Keys in last year’s final, endured another heartbreak as she reclined in her chair and put a white towel over her head to hide her pain.
“I really have no words right now,” she said, then turned to her victorious opponent and fans.
“I want to congratulate you on an incredible run and great tennis. It’s a really great achievement. I love being here and I love playing in front of you guys. You guys are a great support. Let’s hope next year is even better.”
