Elena Rybakina produced one of the most remarkable comebacks in Grand Slam history to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 and claim her maiden Australian Open title. The fifth-seeded Kazakh rallied from 0-3 down in the deciding set to capture her second major championship, adding Melbourne glory to her 2022 Wimbledon triumph.
Under a closed roof at Rod Laver Arena, the 26-year-old Rybakina needed two hours and 18 minutes to overcome the defending champion in a match that will be remembered as one of the finest women's finals in the tournament's history. The victory earned Rybakina AUD 4.1 million in prize money and cemented her place among the elite of women's tennis.
Sabalenka, who was bidding for a third consecutive Australian Open crown and sixth Grand Slam title overall, appeared to be cruising toward victory when she established a commanding 3-0 lead in the final set. The Belarusian had won back-to-back titles in Melbourne in 2023 and 2024 before adding US Open triumphs in 2024 and 2025 to her collection.
However, Rybakina refused to surrender, producing a masterful comeback that saw her win five consecutive games to turn the match completely on its head. The Kazakh's powerful groundstrokes and composed serving under pressure proved decisive as Sabalenka's game began to falter at the crucial moments.
The statistics reflected just how closely contested the final was, with both players winning exactly 92 points throughout the match. Rybakina struck 28 winners en route to victory, showcasing the aggressive baseline game that has made her one of the most dangerous players on tour when firing on all cylinders.
For Rybakina, the triumph represents a remarkable return to the summit of women's tennis. After her breakthrough Wimbledon victory in 2022, her results had dipped and she failed to reach another Grand Slam final until this tournament. The Australian Open crown validates her talent and proves she can compete with the very best on the biggest stages.
Sabalenka was gracious in defeat despite the heartbreak of letting a seemingly winning position slip away. The world number one had been dominant throughout the fortnight in Melbourne, dropping only one set prior to the final as she steamrolled through the draw.
The final was a repeat of the 2023 Australian Open championship match, which Sabalenka won to claim her first major title. Rybakina's revenge three years later demonstrates her growth as a player and her ability to handle the immense pressure of Grand Slam finals.
Rybakina's victory ensures that the women's tennis landscape remains fiercely competitive at the top, with multiple players capable of winning major titles. Her success also highlights the depth of talent in the WTA Tour, where any of the top players can triumph on their day.
The Kazakh will now set her sights on adding more Grand Slam titles to her collection, with the French Open and Wimbledon offering opportunities to further establish herself as one of the dominant forces in women's tennis. At 26, Rybakina is entering the prime years of her career with two major championships already secured.
Comments