Elena Rybakina stuns No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to claim the 2026 Australian Open crown. She started the match with precision, breaking World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the opening game to secure the first set 6-4. However, Sabalenka responded with trademark power, levelling the match by taking the second set 6-4 and sprinting to a commanding 3-0 lead in the decider.
The match shifted as Rybakina found her composure under pressure. She broke Sabalenka’s serve twice in a row, winning six of the final seven games to take the third set 6-4. This victory marks Rybakina’s second career Grand Slam and her first title in Melbourne, successfully avenging her final loss from three years ago. For Sabalenka, the result marks a heartbreaking second consecutive defeat in the Australian Open final.
