Elena Rybakina secured her second Grand Slam victory with a dramatic 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open final on Saturday, cementing her status as one of tennis' most composed champions. The triumph marks a career resurgence for the 26-year-old Kazakh player, who overcame early setbacks in the 2025 season including her coach's suspension before finishing strong with a WTA Finals trophy last November.
Rybakina's understated victory celebration – a brief fist pump and racquet-wave to the crowd – mirrored her methodical path through the tournament. The decisive moment came when she erased a 0-3 third-set deficit against Sabalenka, her frequent rival who defeated her in the 2023 Melbourne final, before clinching the match with an ace.
"The heart rate was definitely beating too fast," Rybakina admitted post-match, reflecting on her calm exterior during the pressure-filled finale. "This win gives me relief and confidence for the rest of the season."
The victory holds particular significance given Rybakina's 2025 challenges and her history of narrow losses in major tournaments. Her ability to maintain composure during critical moments – honed through last season's trials – proved decisive against Sabalenka's powerful baseline game.
