Elena Rybakina defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling and closely contested women’s singles final at the 2026 Australian Open, prevailing 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to win the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup in Melbourne. The victory not only avenged her loss to Sabalenka in the 2023 final, but it also represented her second Grand Slam triumph, cementing her status among the elite of women’s tennis.

A Thrilling Three-Set Battle at Rod Laver Arena

The championship clash on Saturday played out as a tense ebb and flow, with both players showcasing world-class level throughout. Rybakina, seeded fifth, struck first by breaking Sabalenka early in the first set and closing it out 6-4 with aggressive play and a strong serve. 

However, Sabalenka responded in the second set, exhibiting her trademark power and intensity to tie the match 6-4. Going into the decider, the momentum swung like a pendulum, with Sabalenka initially pulling ahead. Rybakina fell behind 0-3 in the third set but rebounded with extraordinary poise and resilience, winning five straight games to turn the match on its head. She sealed the victory with an ace on her first championship point, eliciting wild celebrations from the Kazakh superstar. 

What This Title Means for Rybakina

Rybakina, 26, has won Grand Slam titles on both grass and hard courts, beginning with Wimbledon in 2022. Her triumph in Melbourne caps off a spectacular return following a somewhat tumultuous season, which included negotiating the suspension and eventual restoration of her long-time coach Stefano Vokov.

Rybakina’s road to the 2026 final exemplified not only power, but also consistency and strategic ability. She currently has 20 wins in her previous 21 matches, including her victory at the WTA Finals last year, indicating that her greatest tennis may be ahead of her. 

The Australian Open title also propels Rybakina back into elite ranking contention, with her poised to rise to No. 3 in the WTA standings following her triumph in Melbourne. 

Sabalenka’s Heartbreak and Future Prospects

Sabalenka struggled to accept the setback. The world number one came into the competition looking for her third Australian Open championship in a straight and more Grand Slam success following back-to-back victories at past majors. Instead, Sabalenka has suffered consecutive final defeats in Melbourne, leaving her clearly unhappy during her post-match press conference.

Despite the loss, Sabalenka’s consistency and supremacy over the last few seasons, particularly on hard courts, are evident. Her powerful game, unrelenting intensity, and competitive fire have earned her a place among the sport’s most formidable competitors. Many pundits anticipate a good rebound in future events as she continues to strive for top-tier performance. 

A Rivalry Renewed on the Grandest Stage

The 2026 Australian Open final adds another interesting chapter to Rybakina and Sabalenka’s rivalry. Their head-to-head fights have been marked by tremendous baseline exchanges, massive serving, and great drama, and Saturday’s final was no different. Rybakina’s ability to overcome early difficulties and gain momentum at critical moments demonstrated her increasing maturity and mental strength.

It was also emblematic of her development as a player; four years before, she reached the same final but fell short. This time, she shifted the narrative by winning the sport’s first Grand Slam of the year. 

Looking Forward: What Comes Next

Following her breakthrough victory in Melbourne, all eyes will be on Rybakina as the tennis season progresses. With a high level of confidence and a well-rounded game that combines power, tactical awareness, and perseverance, she is primed to be a key force in the buildup to other Grand Slams and WTA Premier events.

Sabalenka’s focus will be on recuperating and improving her strategy following a hard-fought final run, a struggle she is used to given her background of persistence and top-level competitiveness.

Whatever the future holds, Rybakina’s title win at the 2026 Australian Open is one of the early defining storylines of the tennis season, combining redemption, resilience, and burgeoning star power on one of the sport’s grandest platforms.