Elena Rybakina was on a roll, beating the world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the Australian Open, thus claiming her first Major title in a quality 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 match on Saturday at Melbourne Park.
Coming back to the same place after her 2023 final loss, the fifth seed did not hesitate to chip in the first set of a rematch between the two, which was also a high-quality third set, thus winning her second Grand Slam trophy after Wimbledon 2022. Rybakina’s non-stop hitting of the ball and her poise in tense moments were once again the factors that brought her victory over the Belarusian; hence, she was not just a sensation on grass courts but is also rapidly becoming one of the toughest baseliners on hard courts.
Opening under the Rod Laver Arena roof, Rybakina had a brilliant game, breaking in the first game and then leading the first set by setting the rhythm of the game. Sabalenka was very energetic in the second set, raising her game and forcing a deciding set, keeping real hopes for her weight of three at Melbourne Alive.
The decision was super tight and was like a real battle. Even though she found herself behind at the beginning Rybakina, Rybakina made a big comeback and won the set at 4-3 by making a break point. With a very loud ace to end the match, she celebrated her victory loudly and went to share a moment with Sabalenka.
The victory marks the end of a remarkable two weeks for Rybakina and is the latest success along the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup trail, in addition to her shiny incentive package, which also comprises last year’s WTA Finals crown.
