Australian Open 2026 women’s final: Elena Rybakina wins first set against Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina produced a thunderous performance to dismantle Aryna ‍Sabalenka 6-4 4-6 6-4 on Saturday and claim a maiden Australian Open title, turning the tables on the world number one in their final rematch at Melbourne Park three years ago.

In the first Grand Slam final since 2008 with players yet to drop a set, it was top seed Sabalenka who blinked first under the roof of Rod Laver Arena as Rybakina pulled out all the weapons to break and wrest control in the opening match.

The Kazakh fifth seed’s massive ball attack caused all kinds of problems for two-time champion Sabalenka as she comfortably set the point in the 10th game and finished it, setting off alarm bells in her opponent’s dugout.

After 46 wins on the hard-court Grand Slam matches out of the last 48, four-time major winner Sabalenka found her feet and started the second set more positively, but Rybakina saved three break points to hold the score at 1-1.

A wayward forehand from Rybakina gave Sabalenka the chance to level at one set apiece, and the Belarusian took gleeful advantage to turn the final set into a shootout that was destined to be decided by the player who held his nerve.

After beating Rybakina in a similar situation in the 2023 title clash, Sabalenka unleashed a flurry of winners to take a 3-0 lead, but the Kazakh erased the deficit and broke for 4-3 before securing victory, adding to her 2022 Wimbledon triumph.