Sabalenka Upsets Rybakina in Australian Open Womens Singles Final

January 31, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Sabalenka Upsets Rybakina in Australian Open Womens Singles Final

Elena Rybakina Wins Australian Open Title, Beats Aryna Sabalenka

Kazakh tennis player Elena Rybakina defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final on Saturday. The match was played at Melbourne Park and ended with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

Rybakina, who is 26 years old, won her second major title after Wimbledon 2022. She had previously beaten Sabalenka in the 2025 WTA Finals. Rybakina’s victory marked an impressive display of tennis, as she largely dominated the match and earned her first Australian Open title.

In a post-match interview, Rybakina congratulated Sabalenka on her achievements and expressed gratitude to her fans and country. She also acknowledged that she had received strong support from the crowd during the tournament.

The final set was closely contested, with both players holding their nerves as they battled for the win. Rybakina eventually broke for 4-3 before securing victory with a huge ace. Sabalenka, who had been favored to win, was left disappointed after losing her third consecutive Australian Open final.

In a statement, Sabalenka praised Rybakina’s performance and expressed her admiration for the crowd’s support. She also hinted that she would be back stronger next year.

The match marked a significant moment in tennis history, as it featured two players who had not lost a set throughout their careers until now. The victory was a testament to Rybakina’s skills and determination, and cemented her position as one of the top players in the world.

Source: Al Jazeera