Rybakina Stuns Sabalenka To Capture Australian Open Title

History was made under the bright lights of Melbourne Park as Elena Rybakina clinched her first Australian Open title, prevailing in a dramatic three-set final against the world No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka. On the night of January 31, 2026, tennis fans witnessed a contest filled with momentum swings, big serves, and nerves of steel, as Rybakina edged Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to capture her second career Grand Slam singles title.

Rybakina, seeded No. 5, entered the final as the underdog against the top-seeded Sabalenka, who has been a fixture at the business end of majors in recent years. Yet, it was the Kazakhstani star who displayed the poise and resilience that ultimately decided the championship, adding her name to the illustrious list of Australian Open champions and returning to No. 3 in the world rankings. For Rybakina, this marks her first major since her Wimbledon triumph in 2022, a testament to her continued growth and consistency at the sport’s highest level.

The match itself was a rollercoaster, with both players relying heavily on their powerful serves. In the opening set, Sabalenka appeared to have the upper hand in the serving department, firing four aces to Rybakina’s two and boasting a first-serve percentage of 68% compared to Rybakina’s 48%. But tennis is a sport of key moments, and it was Rybakina who seized the first—breaking Sabalenka in the very first game despite the Belarusian landing seven out of eight first serves. That early break set the tone, putting Sabalenka under scoreboard pressure and forcing her to play catch-up.

Rybakina’s ability to deliver under pressure was on full display. At 4-3 in the first set, she faced two break points but responded with three consecutive unreturnable first serves, snuffing out Sabalenka’s hopes of leveling the score. The sight of Sabalenka, visibly frustrated, raising her racket in exasperation after those missed opportunities, spoke volumes about the psychological battle unfolding on court. Rybakina coolly served out the set, showcasing the composure that has become her trademark since her resurgence in the latter half of the previous year.

Yet, as any Grand Slam final goes, the narrative was far from settled. The second set saw Sabalenka regroup and rediscover her aggressive best. At 4-4, she strung together eight consecutive points, including a barrage of first serves and deep groundstrokes that forced Rybakina into errors. The world No. 1 converted that momentum into a run of five games, flipping the match on its head and taking a 5-4 lead. The pressure now shifted squarely onto Rybakina, who suddenly found herself on the defensive. Sabalenka’s intensity was palpable—she pumped her fist to her box after a string of winners, and for the first time all night, it felt as though the match was on her racket.

But just when Sabalenka seemed poised to run away with the title, the pendulum swung back. Rybakina, who had lost a heartbreaking tiebreak in Melbourne two years prior, drew on her experience and refused to wilt. In the deciding set, Sabalenka raced out to a 3-0 lead, only for Rybakina to launch a stunning comeback, winning five consecutive games and turning the match on its head once more. Sabalenka’s old demons resurfaced, as a critical forehand found the net and her variety—so often a weapon—became a non-factor. In the first two sets, Sabalenka ventured to the net just six times, well below her tournament average of 13.5, a testament to Rybakina’s ability to pin her opponent behind the baseline.

The final games were a study in contrasts: Rybakina’s flat, heavy serves and calm baseline play against Sabalenka’s flashes of brilliance and moments of frustration. Sabalenka did produce a beautiful drop shot at 3-0 up in the third, but those moments were rare, and Rybakina quickly regained control. The Kazakhstani’s run of five straight games put her within touching distance of the trophy, and she served out the match with the same authority she displayed throughout the tournament.

After the match, Rybakina was gracious in victory, crediting her team and the support from her home country. “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. Thank you so much to Kazakhstan. I felt the support from that corner a lot. Thank you to my team—without you, it wouldn’t be possible. We had a lot going on and I’m really glad we achieved this result. Today, we had a few other matches with Kazakhstan players, and I’m really proud,” Rybakina said during her on-court interview on January 31, 2026.

Sabalenka, for her part, was magnanimous in defeat, acknowledging her rival’s achievement and expressing optimism for the future. “Honestly, guys, I’m speechless right now. I want to start with Elena. I want to congratulate you on an incredible run, incredible tennis. I always look forward to coming to play in front of you. Let’s hope next year is going to be a better year for me,” she told the crowd, her disappointment evident but her sportsmanship intact.

This result adds another intriguing chapter to the ongoing saga of women’s tennis, where the chase for Grand Slam glory continues to shape the sport’s narrative. With this win, Rybakina joins the ranks of multiple Grand Slam champions, a list that includes legends like Serena Williams, Margaret Court, and Steffi Graf. The Australian Open, the first major of the year, has long been the stage for breakthrough performances and career-defining moments. Rybakina’s triumph, coming against the top seed and world No. 1, underscores the depth and unpredictability of the women’s game in this era.

The victory also shifts the landscape heading into the rest of the 2026 season. Rybakina’s return to the top three signals her intent to challenge for more majors, while Sabalenka, despite her extraordinary record of reaching finals and semifinals, will be left to ponder how to convert those opportunities into more titles. Her struggles in big finals—now three defeats in her last four major championship matches—remain a puzzle to solve. Yet, with her relentless drive and undeniable talent, few would bet against her returning to the winner’s circle soon.

As the tennis world looks ahead to the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, all eyes will be on whether Rybakina can build on this momentum and whether Sabalenka can finally solve her big-match conundrum. For now, though, it’s Elena Rybakina’s moment in the Melbourne sun—a champion whose resolve and brilliance under pressure have etched her name into tennis history.