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Elena Rybakina upset top-ranked women’s tennis pro Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday to win her first Australian Open and second Grand Slam title, earning redemption after her previous loss to Sabalenka in 2023.
Rybakina, 26, came back from 3-0 down in the third set to defeat Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 and win her second title since winning her first at Wimbledon in 2022.
Elena Rybakina plays a backhand to Aryna Sabalenka during the women’s singles final of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, January 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
“It’s an incredible achievement, I’m super happy and proud,” Rybakina said of her victory, speaking to the media after the match. “It was a really tough battle and I didn’t expect to turn the tide…Aryna is a very tough opponent, but I’m super happy to hold the trophy this time.”
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Rybakina had a chance against Sabalenka in 2023, but it would be Sabalenka’s first to win back-to-back Australian Open titles.
“Last time I was close but I didn’t play really well,” Rybakina recalled. “I knew even today that if I had the chance to lead, I had to take risky shots and go for it.”
It was a tough loss for Sabalenka, who lost in last year’s Australian Open final to American tennis star Madison Keys.
Aryna Sabalenka reacts during her match against Elena Rybakina in the women’s singles final of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, January 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
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“Of course I have regrets. When you were leading 3-Love and it felt like in a few seconds it was 3-4, and I was down with a break – it was very fast,” Sabalenka said. “Great tennis from him. Maybe not so smart for me.
]”But like I said, today I’m a loser, maybe tomorrow I’ll be a winner. I hope I’ll be more of a winner this season than a loser. Hope now and pray.”
Saturday’s victory moved Rybakina into third place.
Elena Rybakina holds the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after defeating Aryna Sabalenka to win the women’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, January 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
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