Elena Rybakina Wins Australian Open Title in Thrilling Comeback Against Aryna Sabalenka
Kazakhstani player beats world number one to avenge 2023 final defeat.
The 2026 Australian Open women's singles title was won by Elena Rybakina, who defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling comeback victory. This is Rybakina's first major championship and comes after her impressive win over Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula earlier this tournament.
Rybakina, who was seeded fifth at the event, took the title with a dramatic third-set fightback to beat Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. The victory avenges her loss to Sabalenka in the 2023 final and marks Rybakina's second major win.
Sabalenka, who has spent 75 weeks at number one on the WTA rankings, was looking to claim her seventh consecutive major singles title but was ultimately unable to overcome Rybakina's determination.
Rybakina played a flawless first set before dropping the second in a tense battle on serve. Sabalenka took the third set by two games with a five-game run from 4-4.
But Rybakina refused to panic, breaking back twice and then gaining momentum as unforced errors began to creep into Sabalenka's game. In the deciding set, Rybakina maintained her composure superbly before serving out the match with an ace, securing her first Australian Open title in a dramatic comeback victory.
The final was marked by impressive displays from both players on serve and powerful rallies at times. The result has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, with Sabalenka's defeat leaving many wondering if she is losing her edge.
Kazakhstani player beats world number one to avenge 2023 final defeat.
The 2026 Australian Open women's singles title was won by Elena Rybakina, who defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling comeback victory. This is Rybakina's first major championship and comes after her impressive win over Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula earlier this tournament.
Rybakina, who was seeded fifth at the event, took the title with a dramatic third-set fightback to beat Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. The victory avenges her loss to Sabalenka in the 2023 final and marks Rybakina's second major win.
Sabalenka, who has spent 75 weeks at number one on the WTA rankings, was looking to claim her seventh consecutive major singles title but was ultimately unable to overcome Rybakina's determination.
Rybakina played a flawless first set before dropping the second in a tense battle on serve. Sabalenka took the third set by two games with a five-game run from 4-4.
But Rybakina refused to panic, breaking back twice and then gaining momentum as unforced errors began to creep into Sabalenka's game. In the deciding set, Rybakina maintained her composure superbly before serving out the match with an ace, securing her first Australian Open title in a dramatic comeback victory.
The final was marked by impressive displays from both players on serve and powerful rallies at times. The result has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, with Sabalenka's defeat leaving many wondering if she is losing her edge.
just watched the most epic match of aussie open histroy! elena rybakina is literally a legend for coming back like that from 4-6 down in the third set 
she was so clutch, serving out the match with an ace and taking it all the way to win 
cant believe i missed her first major win in 2023 lol guess you could say shes made up for it 
anyway congrats elena on your aussie open title 
I mean, 75 weeks at number one and still lost to a underseeded player lol @ Sabalenka's game 
. Rybakina's determination is everything right now 
! She played flawless first set, then came back from the brink of disaster... talk about mental toughness!!! 
Can't wait 2 c what she does next!!
its about mental toughness and determination. Sabalenka had a great run, but Rybakina's refusal to give up was what made all the difference! 
she came back from the dead like a phoenix 
and proved all those doubters wrong... i mean, Rybakina was always destined for greatness, it just took her a little while to realize it herself 
Aryna Sabalenka just couldn't handle the pressure in the end. Rybakina's comeback was insane 
, I love how she never gave up and kept pushing forward even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And that ace at the end? Pure perfection 
. The tennis world is definitely buzzing about this now 
. Can't wait to see what Elena does next on the circuit... she's got the potential to do big things! 
! I'm loving this underdog story so far 
Elena Rybakina totally deserved that title! Her comeback story is so inspiring 
Like, Aryna's still an awesome player and all, but Rybakina's win proves you don't need to be number one in the world to be a top player 
Anyway, major congrats to Elena - she totally earned her first Australian Open title! 
. sabalenka was looking unstoppable but rybakina had that fire in her belly to come back from behind 
. now we get to see if sabalenka can bounce back from this loss or is she really losing steam? 
the tennis world needs to keep an eye on this one... 
. but this win over sabalenka is definitely a game-changer for her career. we might be seeing more of elena rybakina in the future 
! I'm beyond stoked for her and I know this title is just the beginning 
. She showed so much heart and determination out there 
. Sabalenka's game just had some unforced errors, you know how that can happen 
. I'm hyped for Rybakina now, she's got some serious momentum 
.
. And now everyone's going to be talking about whether or not Sabalenka is losing her mojo... which is pretty predictable, if you ask me 
. I'm still waiting for some innovation in tennis, like better courts or more advanced equipment, but this just feels like a traditional back-and-forth match with no real surprises 
.
#RybakinaForever 
. and can you believe this is her first major championship? 
!