Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina claimed the Australian Open women’s singles title on Saturday, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a tense three-set final.
Rybakina, 26, kept her emotions in check even at match point, delivering a decisive ace to end the contest. “Maybe my face didn’t show it, but inside I felt a lot of emotions,” she said.
The win marks Rybakina’s second Grand Slam title after her Wimbledon triumph in 2022. She also recently won the WTA Finals, defeating Sabalenka again and earning a record $5.2 million in prize money.
Seeded No. 5 in Melbourne, Rybakina beat top-ranked players including Sabalenka, four-time major winner Iga Świątek, and No. 6 Jessica Pegula on her way to the title.
“They are tough opponents with strong results. I’m glad I could take the opportunities I had during the matches,” she said.
Rybakina will return to No. 3 in the world rankings next week.
After a challenging 2025 season, which included her coach’s suspension and inconsistent form, Rybakina’s comeback has been remarkable. She credits her coach Stefano Vukov and her support team for helping her regain top form.
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“I always believed I could return to my best level,” she said. “It’s a win for the whole team and everyone who supports me.”
Rybakina celebrated the victory quietly, raising a glass at the champion’s press conference and smiling for photos by the Yarra River before heading to her next flight.