Rybakina Upsets Sabalenka to Claim 2026 Australian Open Title
Elena Rybakina has claimed her first Australian Open championship, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set match at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park, Australia. The victory marks Rybakina’s second Grand Slam title, following her 2022 Wimbledon win, and represents a significant upset against the two-time defending champion.
A Rematch with High Stakes
The 2026 final was widely anticipated as a rematch of the 2025 WTA Finals, a contest Rybakina previously won. Sabalenka, the Belarusian star, entered the match seeking an unprecedented third consecutive Australian Open title, having not dropped a set throughout the tournament. Rybakina, the No. 5 seed from Kazakhstan, was competing in her second Australian Open, aiming to add another major championship to her growing resume.
Rybakina Secures a Hard-Fought Victory
Rybakina, 27, started strong, taking the first set 6-4. Sabalenka, known for her powerful game, responded in the second set, leveling the match with a 6-4 win of her own. The deciding set saw Rybakina regain control, securing a 6-4 victory to clinch the championship. The final score was 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, with the match lasting 2 hours and 18 minutes.
This win is particularly poignant for Rybakina, representing revenge for her loss to Sabalenka in the 2023 Australian Open final.
A Rising Star Claims Her Place
With this victory, Elena Rybakina solidifies her position as a force in women’s tennis. This is considered the first championship for Rybakina. The win also marks her second Grand Slam title, signaling a new era in the sport.
