Elena Rybakina Makes History: Stuns World No. 1 Sabalenka to Clinch Australian Open 2026 Title

Melbourne.

In a thrilling display of grit and power, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina defeated World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to claim her first Australian Open crown and second career Grand Slam title. Rybakina showcased nerves of steel, coming back from a 0-3 deficit in the final set to win 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 at the Rod Laver Arena.

Revenge in Melbourne

The 2hrs 18mins marathon was a replay of the 2023 final, but with a different outcome. Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, successfully avenged her previous loss to the Belarusian powerhouse.

“My heart was beating fast, even if my face didn’t show it,” Rybakina admitted after the match. “There were a lot of emotions inside.” She sealed her historic victory with her sixth ace of the match.

Heartbreak for Sabalenka

For Aryna Sabalenka, it was a bitter end to an otherwise dominant tournament. Despite being the top seed and reaching her fourth consecutive Australian Open final, she fell just short. “She played an incredible match. I fought until the last point, but maybe next year will be mine,” a tearful Sabalenka remarked.

Key Highlights & Records

• First for Kazakhstan: Rybakina is the first player from Kazakhstan to win an Australian Open singles title.

   

• Giant Slayer: She is the first woman since 2019 (Naomi Osaka) to defeat three Top-10 players (Sabalenka, Swiatek, and Pegula) to win the trophy.

• Surface Versatility: Rybakina becomes the sixth woman in the Open Era to win her first two Slams on different surfaces (Grass and Hard Court).

Doubles Glory

• Women’s Doubles: Elise Mertens (Belgium) and Zhang Shuai (China) defeated Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic (7-6, 6-4). With this win, Mertens returns to the World No. 1 ranking.

• Men’s Doubles: The American-British duo Christian Harrison and Neal Skupski took the title, defeating Australians Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans (7-6, 6-4).

   

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Statistical Comparison: The Final Showdown

Statistic	Aryna Sabalenka	Elena Rybakina
Aces	5	6
1st Serve Win %	75%	76%
Break Points Won	25%	50%
Unforced Errors	26	25
Total Points Won	92	92

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