MELBOURNE: In a display of sheer grit, ice-cold precision, and unrelenting determination, Elena Rybakina toppled world number one Aryna Sabalenka to claim her second Grand Slam at the Australian Open.
The Kazakh powerhouse, known for her fearsome serve and steely nerves, emerged victorious 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 at Rod Laver Arena after a gripping 2-hour, 18-minute showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Rybakina’s triumph is not just redemption for her 2023 loss to Sabalenka it is a statement of intent from one of tennis’ most dynamic and formidable talents. From the opening rally to the final ace, she combined explosive athleticism with surgical precision, thrilling spectators and silencing doubts about her dominance on the world stage.
The big-serving Kazakh fifth seed held her nerve against the Belarusian star in a rollercoaster match that swung momentum multiple times.
Rybakina, 26 who switched her allegiance from Russia to Kazakhstan in 2018 now adds this Melbourne triumph to her Wimbledon victory in 2022 further solidifying her reputation as one of the women’s tour’s most formidable competitors.
“Hard to find the words now,” Rybakina admitted, before addressing her opponent: “I know it is tough, but I hope we play many more finals together.” Turning to the cheering Kazakh fans, she added, “Thank you so much to Kazakhstan. I felt your support from that corner a lot.”
Sabalenka, despite entering her fourth consecutive Australian Open final and coming off a US Open win last year, was visibly distraught after yet another setback in a major championship decider. “Let’s hope maybe next year will be a better year for me,” the top seed said ruefully, her frustration palpable yet tinged with resolve.
With the Rod Laver Arena roof closed due to drizzle, Rybakina immediately broke serve to establish early dominance. Despite facing two break points at 4-3, she unleashed an ace to steady herself, ultimately capturing the first set in 37 minutes the first set Sabalenka had dropped all year.
The second set saw Sabalenka assert control, saving tense break points and leveling the match at 5-4. Rybakina appeared momentarily rattled but displayed remarkable poise, regaining momentum in the deciding set.
A string of consecutive game wins saw her break Sabalenka at 4-3 and hold serve to seal a thrilling championship with her sixth ace of the match.
Rybakina’s path to the final was equally impressive, having defeated second seed Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals and sixth seed Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals. With this victory, she demonstrates that her ascent in women’s tennis is not a fleeting peak but a sustained surge powered by skill, strategy, and unwavering mental fortitude.
