Australian Open Women's Final Round-up | Elena Rybakina wins maiden Australian Open title after composed third set comeback against stunned Sabalenka
WTA
Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka played out a very high
quality 2026 Australian Open final. In the end, it was Rybakina who kept her cool to
win 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 and win a first major title Down Under.
Rybakina took an early lead in the first set and saw it out
until the end, with both players looking good on their serve. It was Sabalenka
who then made the first big move, winning five games on the trot to take the
second set and go 3-0 ahead in the third. However, the tension and frustration
would soon get to her, as the four-time Grand Slam champion unravelled on
court.
A five-game streak for the Kazakh was something that
Sabalenka could not cope with, going from 3-0 to 5-3. Rybakina would serve it
out, and get the job done for a second Grand Slam title, and a first since Wimbledon
2022.
Rybakina triumphs on the biggest stage over world number one
It was a sluggish start for Sabalenka, who could not settle
in the early parts of the match. Despite going 30-0 ahead, she would get peppered
by some blistering Rybakina returns, flying past her with a first break point oof
the match in sight. Rybakina could not take the first one but was making no
mistake moments later to already to take the advantage.
More unforced errors came from the Belarusian as Rybakina
held to love, but a massive ace gets her on the board. She was in desperate
need to get a break back and could be in luck with Rybakina not getting many of
her first serves in, three out of the first nine to be exact. However, she lost
just one point on serve in her opening two games, which was a double fault.
Sabalenka stuck with her, holding to love. However, she was
failing to make a dent on the Rybakina serve. Some pinpoint shots from Rybakina
at the most acute angles were almost impossible for the world number one to retrieve.
A small fightback in the game by Sabalenka was neutralised very quickly.
The two-time champion then had her chance. Finally, she was
able to find a way past the Rybakina serve and muster up two break points. This
is when Rybakina chose to hit two massive serves, leaving Sabalenka no chance
before winning two consecutive points afterwards to keep her advantage.
Sabalenka forced Rybakina to serve it out and was just a passenger with the
26-year-old sprinting towards a set advantage in this final.
Sabalenka had been in this position before against Rybakina
in an Australian Open final, back in 2023 where she completed a terrific
comeback to win her first major title. She also lost the first set last time
they met in the WTA Finals, where Rybakina stormed to glory in an excellent
performance.
She looked for an opening, and thought she had her golden
chance. While Rybakina struggled to get the game won, Sabalenka had three break
points throughout. Rybakina put in some clutch big hitting and avoided the threat.
The Kazakh eventually got over the line and got back level at 2-2.
The holds would continue throughout the second set. Both
players were finding joy on their serve. However, the pressure was mounting up
in this Grand Slam final, and one player would falter under this immense
demand.
It would be Sabalenka who would benefit from this. Out of
nowhere, she came up with a break to love as she finally got one over the
Rybakina serve to win the second set, with this women’s final going the distance
on Rod Laver Arena.
From the off, Sabalenka was in control. After both players
left the court, she was the one who raced out of the blocks, completing a
controlled hold before finding a critical break with some big backhands
utilised. She then does brilliantly not to be broken instantly back by her
opponent. After falling 30-40 down, Sabalenka follows a big forehand with an
even bigger roar as she sailed into a 3-0 lead.
This showcased the dominance Sabalenka had, winning the last
five games in a row. However, Rybakina was not finished. She got a hold on the
board before another twist in this final cropped up as she broke the Sabalenka
serve to put this match back on an even playing field.
There was a chance that a third break on the bounce was in
store with Rybakina once more struggling to get her first serves in. However,
Sabalenka’s attacking shot just went out and the 2023 runner-up managed to confirm
a third game in a row.
This phenomenal run would continue for Rybakina, with the
tension building on court. Sabalenka was getting affected by this, and it would
cost her dearly as she whacks a forehand into the net to gift Rybakina the lead
for the first time in this set.
It would be five games in a row after she held, with
Sabalenka forcing her opponent to serve it out for the title after ending a barren
spell on court. The ice-cool Rybakina composedly saw it out to win a
magnificent Australian Open title. It was too much to take for Sabalenka, who had
her towel over her head after a second consecutive Australian Open final
defeat, and a third Grand Slam final loss in five events.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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