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Elena Rybakina beat top women’s tennis pro Aryna Sabalenka to win her first title on Saturday australian open And her second Grand Slam title, redemption after losing to Sabalenka in 2023.
The 26-year-old Rybakina fought back from a 3-0 deficit in the third set to beat Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to win her second title since her first. Wimbledon 2022.
Elena Rybakina returns a backhand serve to Aryna Sabalenka during the women’s singles final of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, on January 31, 2026. (Photo/Dita Catecha)
“It’s an incredible achievement and I’m very happy and proud,” Rybakina said of her victory in an interview with the media after the game. “It was a very tough battle and I didn’t expect to be able to turn it around… Elena was a very tough opponent, but I’m very happy that I lifted the trophy this time.”
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Rybakina has a chance to face Sabalenka in 2023, but this will be Sabalenka’s second consecutive Australian Open title.
“Last time, I was close, but I didn’t play very well,” Rybakina recalled. “Even today, I knew if I had a chance to take the lead, I was going to need to take some risky shots and just go for it.”
It was a bitter defeat for Sabalenka, who lost to American tennis star Madison Keys in last year’s Australian Open final.
Aryna Sabalenka reacts during the women’s singles final against Elena Rybakina at the Australian Open on January 31, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (AP Photo/Aaron Favilla)
“Of course, I have regrets. When you’re up 3-Love, it feels like it’s 3-4 in a matter of seconds, and I went down with a break – very fast,” Sabalenka said. “Great tennis From her. Maybe not too smart for me.
) “But like I said, today I’m a loser, maybe tomorrow I’m a winner. Hopefully this season I’ll be a winner and not a loser. Just hope and pray now.”
Saturday’s victory moved Rybakina up to third place.
Elena Rybakina holds up the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s singles final of the Australian Open on January 31, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo/Dita Catecha)
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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