Rybakina Triumphs Over Pegula To Reach Australian Open Final

Melbourne Park is once again the epicenter of tennis drama as the 2026 Australian Open barrels toward its thrilling conclusion. The women’s singles draw has delivered on every ounce of anticipation, with Elena Rybakina’s nerve-jangling victory over Jessica Pegula on January 29, 2026, sending the Kazakh star into her second Australian Open final. The stakes? A shot at redemption against Aryna Sabalenka in a rematch of last year’s championship showdown.

Rybakina, seeded fifth, showcased her trademark blend of power and poise to overcome Pegula, the sixth seed, in straight sets—6-3, 7-6(9)—in a match that had the Rod Laver Arena crowd on the edge of their seats for a full hour and forty minutes. It wasn’t just the final score that told the story; it was the wild swings, the saved match points, and the palpable tension as both women fought for a place in history.

Coming into the semi-final, the odds slightly favored Rybakina, who boasted an impressive 41-12 record on hard courts over the previous year and two tournament wins. Pegula, no slouch herself on the surface, had won one title and carried a 35-13 hard-court record into the match. The contest promised fireworks—and it delivered.

The first set saw Rybakina seize control early, breaking Pegula’s serve and dictating play with her booming groundstrokes. Pegula, known for her tenacity and ability to turn defense into offense, tried to find her rhythm but struggled to counter Rybakina’s relentless pressure. The Kazakh’s serve, a weapon all tournament, proved too much in the opener as she closed it out 6-3.

But if anyone thought Pegula would fade quietly, they were mistaken. The American dug deep in the second set, saving multiple match points and even earning two set points of her own. Every game became a battle of nerves, with both players exchanging breaks and neither able to hold serve when it mattered most. Rybakina twice failed to serve out the match, her nerves betraying her at crucial moments, while Pegula’s grit kept her in contention.

The tie-break was a microcosm of the match—momentum swung like a pendulum. Pegula secured a mini-break and looked poised to force a deciding set, but Rybakina’s resilience shone through. According to live commentary from The Sporting News, "Rybakina creams a backhand winner and is into the final." The Kazakh needed four match points to finally seal the deal, firing an ace and then a blistering backhand to end Pegula’s valiant resistance.

For Rybakina, this victory marks her second trip to the Australian Open final, her first coming just last year when she fell to Sabalenka in a tight three-setter (3-6, 6-3, 6-4). She’s no stranger to the big stage, having captured her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022. Yet, Melbourne has become both a proving ground and a place of unfinished business for the 24-year-old, who now stands on the cusp of a second major crown.

"It looked like Rybakina was going to sweep easily into the final after taking the first set convincingly and went up a break twice in the second set. But twice the Kazakh failed to serve out the match, but still managed to come through when it mattered," reported The Sporting News, capturing the emotional rollercoaster of the contest.

Pegula, for her part, leaves Melbourne with her head held high. The American’s run to the semi-finals was marked by trademark consistency and fighting spirit. Over the past 12 months, she’s won 72.5% of her service games and 40.6% of her return games on hard courts, according to USA TODAY SportsbookWire. Her ability to claw back from the brink against Rybakina, saving match points and creating her own opportunities, is a testament to her growth as a top-tier contender.

Looking back, Pegula’s journey to the semi-finals included a strong showing at the Brisbane International, where she reached the semis before falling to Marta Kostyuk. Rybakina’s path was similarly impressive, though she suffered a quarter-final loss to Karolina Muchova in Brisbane. Both players came into Melbourne with something to prove—and while only one could advance, both demonstrated why they’re fixtures in the world’s top ten.

As the dust settles, attention now shifts to the final, where Rybakina will face Aryna Sabalenka in a highly anticipated rematch. Last year’s final saw Sabalenka claim her first Grand Slam title after a see-saw battle, and Rybakina will be eager to flip the script this time around. The rivalry between these two powerhouses has become one of the sport’s most compelling storylines, with each match delivering drama and high-quality tennis.

Fans around the world have been tuning in to the action thanks to extensive broadcast coverage. In Australia, the Nine Network and 9Gem have provided free-to-air access to all key matches, while streaming options like Stan Sport have brought the tournament to viewers in stunning 4K resolution. For international fans, platforms such as ESPN+ and Fubo have ensured no one misses a moment. And for those looking to bypass geo-restrictions, services like ExpressVPN have made it possible to catch every serve and volley live on 9Now, regardless of location.

With the 2026 Australian Open nearing its climax, the women’s singles final promises to be a blockbuster. Can Rybakina capture her first title Down Under and avenge last year’s defeat, or will Sabalenka defend her crown and cement her status as the queen of Melbourne Park? One thing’s for sure: tennis fans are in for a treat as two of the game’s brightest stars prepare to battle for Grand Slam glory.

As the anticipation builds, Rybakina’s journey stands as a testament to perseverance and competitive fire. Her spot in the final is well earned, and all eyes will be on Rod Laver Arena as she seeks to etch her name into Australian Open history once more.