Rybakina made an assertive start to the final, breaking Sabalenka’s serve in the opening game. Her booming serves and precise baseline play kept the World No.1 under constant pressure. The Kazakh maintained her composure to close out the first set 6-4, setting the tone for a fiercely contested final.
Sabalenka, however, responded with trademark aggression in the second set. The Belarusian raised her intensity, found her range on the forehand, and broke Rybakina decisively to level the match. Winning the second set 6-4, Sabalenka looked firmly in control as momentum swung in her favour.
Deciding Set Drama at Rod Laver Arena
The third set began ominously for Rybakina. Sabalenka surged to a commanding 3-0 lead, combining raw power with improved accuracy. At that stage, the World No.1 appeared poised to claim her third Australian Open title.
What followed was a stunning turnaround. Rybakina broke Sabalenka twice in succession, displaying exceptional composure and tactical clarity. Her serve held firm under pressure, while unforced errors crept into Sabalenka’s game. From 0-3 down, Rybakina reeled off five of the next six games to close out the match 6-4, silencing the crowd in disbelief.
Second Grand Slam, First Australian Open
This victory marks Rybakina’s second Grand Slam title, following her maiden triumph at Wimbledon in 2022. The Australian Open crown further cements her status among the elite of women’s tennis and underlines her growing consistency on hard courts.
Speaking after the match, Rybakina acknowledged the mental challenge of the final. She credited her ability to stay calm under pressure and take her chances when they came, especially during the crucial moments of the deciding set.
Heartbreak Continues for Sabalenka
For Aryna Sabalenka, the defeat marked her second consecutive Australian Open final loss. After winning back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, she has now fallen short in three-set finals in 2025 and 2026. Despite the loss, the World No.1 showcased her fighting spirit and reaffirmed her dominance at the top of women’s tennis.
Sabalenka’s performance throughout the tournament remains a testament to her form, having arrived in Melbourne unbeaten in 2026. However, Rybakina’s resilience proved decisive on the day.
What Lies Ahead
The Australian Open 2026 women’s final will be remembered as a classic, defined by momentum swings and elite-level shot-making. Rybakina’s triumph sets the stage for an exciting season ahead on the WTA Tour, with rivalries intensifying at the top.