Rybakina grows in confidence despite Australian Open final defeat to Sabalenka: "That's the goal, to be in the second week of all the Grand Slams, to play finals"

Elena Rybakina started off well in the Australian Open final but eventually she lost control of the match and allowed Sabalenka to win it in three.

It was the opposite of what happened at Wimbledon where she started off slow but then turned it around against Jabeur. It was a lesson for the young player and she's taking it as such. Speaking after the match, she explained that results like this are great although the outcome, in the end, was not what she wanted:

"If it's going to be like this, it's great. For sure, that's the goal, to be in the second week of all the Grand Slams, to play finals. Yeah, I mean, now I have more confidence of course even after this final. I just need to work hard, same as I did during pre-season and actually throughout the years, be healthy, and for sure the results are going to come."

Rybakina complimented Sabalenka after the match understanding that she simply did not play well enough:

"There is maybe (only a) few girls who plays like this. I just know that I have to serve well. It's also pressure in the end. As soon as I have opportunity, take it. Today I had some opportunities. Didn't take. The match didn't go my way … I think quality of the match was good."

And added:

"It was a very powerful game from both of us. Well, I think it's just … not many powerful players there on tour. Maybe this is kind of pushing the other players to be more aggressive."