In a gripping rematch of their 2023 showdown, Elena Rybakina defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s singles final of the 2026 Australian Open, claiming her maiden title at Melbourne Park with a hard-fought 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory on Rod Laver Arena.
The fifth-seeded Kazakhstani player, already a Grand Slam champion from her 2022 Wimbledon triumph, delivered a composed and powerful performance that showcased her big serve and baseline dominance.
She took the opening set by breaking Sabalenka at a crucial moment and holding firm under pressure. The Belarusian world No. 1, a two-time Australian Open winner, responded strongly in the second set, leveling the match with aggressive groundstrokes and improved variety to force a decider.
The third set proved to be the defining chapter of this high-quality contest. Sabalenka surged ahead to a commanding 3-0 lead, appearing poised to repeat her 2023 success and secure a third Melbourne crown.
Yet Rybakina refused to fade. Drawing on her trademark ice-cool temperament, she mounted a stunning comeback, reeling off five consecutive games to turn the momentum decisively in her favor.
Her serving remained lethal throughout, and she closed out the match in style with an ace on her first championship point, sealing the title and avenging her loss from three years earlier.
This victory marked Rybakina’s second major title overall and confirmed her status as one of the most formidable forces on the hard courts. Both players arrived in the final without dropping a set en route — a rare feat for finalists at a Grand Slam — making their clash a true battle of power and precision.
In the end, Rybakina’s resilience and ability to seize the biggest moments proved the difference, crowning her as the 2026 Australian Open champion in one of the tournament’s most memorable finals.