Elena Rybakina produced a stunning performance to defeat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and win the Australian Open 2026, claiming the second Grand Slam title of her career. The Kazakh star won a gripping final 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, showing great composure in the deciding set as she captured six of the last seven games to seal the title.

Rybakina’s strong comeback in the final

Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, returned to a Grand Slam final after a gap of three years and made the moment count. She overcame the top seed in a tense three-set battle, turning the tables on Sabalenka after losing to her in the 2023 Australian Open final. This victory not only brought revenge but also denied Sabalenka a chance to win her third Australian Open crown.

The final swung back and forth, with Sabalenka appearing in control at different stages. However, Rybakina stayed calm under pressure and raised her level when it mattered most, especially in the final set.

Another major setback for Sabalenka

The defeat marked another painful Grand Slam final loss for Sabalenka. The world No. 1 has now lost two Australian Open finals in a row and three of her last four Grand Slam finals since the start of last season. This time, the loss was even tougher as she went down after holding a break advantage in the deciding set.

“She played incredible match and tried my very best. I was fighting until the very last point,“ Sabalenka said. “I had my opportunities. It feels like I missed couple, but it's tennis. Today you're loser. Tomorrow you're winner. Hopefully I'll be more of a winner this season than a loser.”

Rybakina’s dominance against top players

With this win, Rybakina extended her remarkable run against elite opponents. She has now won 10 consecutive matches against top-10 players, a streak that began at the WTA Finals late last season, where she also defeated Sabalenka in the final. Carrying that form into Melbourne, the 26-year-old once again proved she can beat the very best on the biggest stage.

More history ahead in Melbourne

The dramatic women’s final set the stage for another historic moment at the Australian Open. Following an unforgettable day, all eyes now turn to the men’s semi-final clash between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, where two career-defining milestones are at stake and history is guaranteed to be made.