Melbourne, Australia — January 31, 2026: Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan captured the 2026 Australian Open women’s singles championship, defeating world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in a thrilling three-set final at Rod Laver Arena on Saturday. Rybakina overcame Sabalenka 6–4, 4–6, 6–4 to claim her second Grand Slam title, having previously won Wimbledon in 2022.
The match lived up to its billing as a high-stakes battle between two of the WTA Tour’s most powerful players. Rybakina came out strong, taking the first set with aggressive baseline play and heavy serving before Sabalenka fought back to level the match in the second. In the decisive third set, Rybakina erased an early deficit to seize control and ultimately sealed victory with a championship-winning ace, sparking celebrations from fans in a packed centre court.
The victory also represented revenge for Rybakina, who had lost to Sabalenka in the 2023 Australian Open final. This time, the 26-year-old Kazakh showcased composure, tactical savvy, and resilience, reversing that result in a tightly contested rematch. Rybakina’s run in Melbourne included impressive wins over several top-ranked opponents, highlighting her return to elite form.
By lifting the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, Rybakina became the first Kazakh woman to win the Australian Open singles title and now holds two major championships in her career. Sabalenka, seeking her third Australian Open crown, showed grit throughout the match and congratulated Rybakina after an intense encounter, expressing hope for future success as she continues her season at the top of the rankings.
