Kazakh Elena Rybakina delivered a thunderous display to defeat firm favourite Aryna Sabalenka 6‑4 4‑6 6-4 and win a maiden Australian Open title, turning the tables on the world number one in their Melbourne Park final rematch from three years ago.
In the first Grand Slam final since 2008 featuring players yet to drop a set, it was top seed Sabalenka who blinked first under the Rod Laver Arena roof as Rybakina came out all guns blazing to break in the opening game and take control.
The fifth seed’s booming ball-striking caused all sorts of problems for twice champion Sabalenka, as Rybakina comfortably got to set point in the 10th game and finished it in style to send alarm bells ringing in her opponent’s dugout.
Arriving with 46 hardcourt Grand Slam match victories from the last 48, four-times major winner Sabalenka found her groove and began the second set more positively, but Rybakina saved three breakpoints to hold for 1-1.
A wayward forehand from Rybakina handed Sabalenka the chance to level at one set apiece, and the Belarusian gleefully took it to turn the final set into a shootout destined to be decided by whichever player held their nerve.
Having beaten Rybakina from a similar situation in the 2023 title clash, Sabalenka unleashed a flurry of winners to go ahead 3-0, but the Kazakh erased the deficit and broke for 4-3, before securing victory to add to her All England club triumph.
“It’s an incredible achievement,” said the 26-year-old, who will rise to number three in the world rankings on Monday behind Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
“I’m super happy and proud. It was a really tough battle. I didn’t expect to turn it around. I got some opportunities. Aryna is a very tough opponent but I’m super happy that this time I’m holding the trophy.”
Rybakina returned to the site of her 2023 defeat to complete an impressive 6‑4 4‑6 6-4 win and capture her second major trophy after Wimbledon 2022.