TENNIS: Red-hot Rybakina resists Sabalenka to reign at Australian Open

MELBOURNE – Elena Rybakina produced a stunning performance to dethrone top seed Aryna Sabalenka and capture her first Australian Open title on Saturday, avenging her loss to the world number one in Melbourne Park three years ago.

The Moscow-born Kazakh completed a 6‑4, 4‑6, 6‑4 victory, securing her second major trophy after Wimbledon 2022. Rybakina’s triumph underscores her growing reputation as a hardcourt force capable of challenging Sabalenka’s dominance.

Rybakina, 26, added the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup to her impressive resume, which includes last year’s WTA Finals victory over Sabalenka. “It’s an incredible achievement,” she said. “I’m super happy and proud. It was a really tough battle. Aryna is a very tough opponent, but I’m thrilled to be holding the trophy this time.”

All Guns Blazing

The first Grand Slam final since 2008 to feature players who had yet to drop a set saw Rybakina start aggressively. She broke Sabalenka in the opening game and controlled the pace with her powerful shots, taking the first set 6‑4.

Sabalenka, a four-time major winner with 46 hardcourt Grand Slam victories from her last 48 matches, recovered to win the second set 6‑4. The final set turned into a nerve-wracking battle, with Rybakina overturning a 0‑3 deficit to break for 4‑3 and eventually seal the match with a thunderous ace. She celebrated with her team after embracing her opponent.

Team Support and Pep Talk

Rybakina credited her team for the victory, particularly coach Stefano Vukov, who gave her an honest pep talk when she trailed in the deciding set. “I want to say thank you to my team. Without you, this wouldn’t be possible,” she said, reflecting on her 14 wins from the last 15 matches.

Representing Kazakhstan since 2018 after receiving financial backing, Rybakina’s success continues to raise the profile of tennis in the country.

Sabalenka Reacts

Sabalenka, seeking a Melbourne Park three-peat after last year’s loss to Madison Keys, showed her disappointment post-match. “She played an incredible match and I tried my very best,” Sabalenka said. “I had my opportunities, but today I lost. Hopefully I’ll be a winner more often this season.”

-Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Melbourne; Additional reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Clare Fallon/Reuters