AUSTRALIAN OPEN . Women’s Final. By Leo Canaparo
Elena Rybakina captured her first Australian Open title after edging world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a high-intensity final played on Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. The victory earned the Kazakh star her second Grand Slam crown, following her breakthrough triumph at Wimbledon in 2022, and opened a new chapter in her growing rivalry with Sabalenka.
The result also carried a sense of redemption for Rybakina. The two had previously contested the Australian Open final in 2023, when Sabalenka prevailed 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. This time, Rybakina struck first with an early break to take the opening set, then showed remarkable resilience after dropping the second and falling 3-0 behind in the decider. From there, she reeled off five consecutive games and sealed the championship with an ace on her first match point.
Sabalenka, champion in Melbourne in 2023 and 2024, enjoyed spells of clear dominance and held the upper hand at various stages, but was unable to contain Rybakina’s response when it mattered most. The match underlined the fine margins separating two of the most powerful players on the WTA Tour and was ultimately decided by the smallest details at crucial moments. For Rybakina, it was also sweet revenge for the 2023 final, when the trophy had slipped from her grasp.
Beyond the numbers, Rybakina’s triumph adds another milestone to a career defined by quiet determination and steady progression. Born in Moscow and representing Kazakhstan since 2018, she has built her success around a calm demeanor, a booming serve and a clean, aggressive baseline game. Known for her understated personality and composure under pressure, Rybakina has often let her tennis speak for her. Her Australian Open title further cements her place among the elite of the women’s game and confirms her ability to rise on the sport’s biggest stages.
Rybakina’s Road to the Title
First round: def. Kaja Juvan (Slovenia, No.100) 6-4, 6-3
Second round: def. Varvara Gracheva (France, No.77) 7-5, 6-2
Third round: def. Tereza Valentová (Czech Republic, No.54) 6-2, 6-3
Round of 16: def. Elise Mertens (Belgium, No.21) 6-1, 6-3
Quarterfinals: def. Iga Swiatek (Poland, No.2) 7-5, 6-1
Semifinals: def. Jessica Pegula (USA, No.6) 6-3, 7-6 (7)
Final: def. Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus, No.1) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4