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Elena Rybakina stunned top-ranked women’s tennis pro Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday to win her first Australian Open and her second Grand Slam title, redeeming herself from her previous loss to Sabalenka in 2023.
Rybakina, 26, rallied from 3-0 down in the third set to defeat Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 and win her second title since claiming her first at Wimbledon in 2022.
Elena Rybakina serves a backhand return to Aryna Sabalenka during the women’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, on January 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
“It’s an incredible achievement, I’m super happy and proud,” Rybakina said of her win, speaking to the media after the match. “It was a really tough match and I didn’t expect to turn it around… Aryna is a very tough opponent, but I’m super happy that this time I have the trophy.”
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Rybakina had a chance against Sabalenka in 2023, but that would be Sabalenka’s first of back-to-back Australian Open titles.
“Last time I was close, but I didn’t play very well,” Rybakina recalled. “I knew even today if I get a chance to lead I’m going to have to try some risky shots and just go for it.”
It was a tough loss for Sabalenka, who fell in last year’s Australian Open final to American tennis star Madison Keys.
Aryna Sabalenka reacts during her match against Elena Rybakina in the women’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, on January 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
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“Obviously I regretted it. When you lead 3-Love and then it felt like in seconds it was 3-4 and I was down with a break – it was very quick,” Sabalenka said. “Great tennis from her. Maybe not so smart for me.
]”But like I say, today I’m a loser, maybe tomorrow I’m a winner. Hopefully I’ll be more of a winner this season than a loser. Right now, hoping and praying.”
Saturday’s win moved Rybakina into the No. 3 spot.
Elena Rybakina holds aloft the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after defeating Aryna Sabalenka to win the women’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia on January 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
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