Rybakina reigns at Australian Open
Elena Rybakina stunned world number one Aryna Sabalenka to claim her maiden Australian Open title, sealing a three-set victory in a high-quality Melbourne Park final.
Elena Rybakina produced a thunderous display to beat firm favourite Aryna Sabalenka and win a maiden Australian Open title yesterday (1 February), turning the tables on the world number one in their Melbourne Park final rematch from three years ago.
Rybakina returned to the site of her 2023 defeat to complete an impressive 6‑4 4‑6 6-4 win and capture her second major trophy after Wimbledon 2022, underlining her credentials as the player best equipped to puncture Sabalenka's hardcourt aura.
The 26-year-old capped a fortnight of relentless efficiency while largely flying under the radar, adding the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup to a sparkling resume which also includes the WTA Finals crown the Kazakh won by stunning Sabalenka last year.
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"It's hard to find words, but I want to congratulate Aryna for her amazing results in the last couple of years... I hope we're going to play many more finals together," Moscow-born Rybakina said, before addressing her fans.
"I want to say thank you to you guys for the incredible atmosphere. Your support kept us going. Thank you to Kazakhstan. I felt the support from that corner a lot.
"It's really a Happy Slam and I always enjoy coming here."
In the first Grand Slam final since 2008 featuring players yet to drop a set, it was top seed Sabalenka who blinked first under the Rod Laver Arena roof as Rybakina came out all guns blazing to break in the opening game and take control.
The fifth seed's booming ball-striking caused all sorts of problems for twice champion Sabalenka, and Rybakina comfortably got to set point in the 10th game and finished it in style to send alarm bells ringing in her opponent's dugout.
