Ice Queen of Melbourne: Elena Rybakina stuns Sabalenka to claim second Grand Slam title
Elena Rybakina secured her maiden Australian Open title and second career Grand Slam on Saturday, mounting a sensational comeback from 0-3 down in the final set to defeat defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
Elena Rybakina, Australian Open 2026 | © Imago / PsNewz
In a collision of pure power and unwavering poise, the 26-year-old Elena Rybakina proved why she is currently the most formidable force in women’s tennis. The world No 3-elect delivered a performance of historic proportions on Rod Laver Arena, navigating a treacherous draw to lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
By defeating Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, and finally the world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in consecutive matches, Rybakina has solidified her status as the tour’s ultimate “giant killer.” The victory marks her ninth win over a reigning world No 1 and her 10th consecutive win against top 10 opposition, a streak that underscores her total dominance over the game’s elite.
Resilience under fire as the “Tiger” roars back
The match began as a tactical serving duel, with Rybakina claiming the opening set 6-4 before Sabalenka showcased the tenacity that has defined her recent reign. The 27-year-old No 1 seed produced a magnificent turnaround in the second set, leveling the match at 6-4 with back-against-the-wall aggression.
As the third set commenced, it appeared the “Tiger” would roar to a third consecutive Melbourne title. Sabalenka raced to a 3-0 lead and held a 30-30 opening in the fourth game, threatening to move within sight of the finish line. At that moment, Rybakina looked to be fading, yet her legendary “Ice Queen” composure remained intact.
The turning point arrived when Sabalenka held a break point to lead 4-2 on Rybakina’s serve. A missed opportunity there proved fatal; Rybakina held firm and proceeded to win five games in a row, turning a 0-3 deficit into a 5-3 lead.
The 5th-ranked (at the start of the week) Kazakh took full advantage of Sabalenka’s fluctuating consistency, breaking the world No 1 twice on three break point opportunities. While Sabalenka fought to stay alive, Rybakina’s serve, which has been her most lethal weapon throughout the fortnight, carried her to a 6-4 final set victory, ending the contest in a flurry of baseline winners.
A new era of dominance in the top three
With this title, Elena Rybakina has now won 20 of her last 21 matches, a run of form that has left the rest of the tour searching for answers. Her victory in Melbourne is not just a personal milestone but a statement of intent for the 2026 season. By dropping only one set throughout the entire tournament, she has matched the efficiency of the greatest champions in the tournament’s history.
Although she will officially leave Australia ranked world No 3, her recent resume – including a second major to go with her Wimbledon 2022 crown – suggests that the gap between her and the top spot is now purely a mathematical formality.
