A. Rahman
Elena Rybakina delivered a thrilling performance in Melbourne, defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic three-set final to win her first Australian Open title. The Kazakh fifth seed staged an incredible comeback in the third set after falling behind 3-0, turning the match in her favor to secure a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory. (bbc.com)
Rybakina’s win was a measure of redemption, as she had previously lost to Sabalenka in the 2023 Australian Open final. The victory also marks her second Grand Slam title, following her 2022 Wimbledon triumph. Despite Sabalenka’s status as a two-time Australian Open champion, she struggled to close out the match, committing several unforced errors in the decisive moments of the third set.
The final set saw Rybakina recover from an early deficit, winning five consecutive games to turn the tide. Sabalenka initially dominated, breaking Rybakina’s serve late in the second set and early in the decider, appearing set to claim her fifth major singles trophy. However, as the finish line approached, Sabalenka’s game faltered, allowing Rybakina to regain control and ultimately serve out the match with an ace.
This defeat represents Sabalenka’s third loss in four recent Grand Slam finals, following setbacks at last year’s Australian Open and French Open. Despite her recent US Open triumph, she continues to face heartbreak in major finals, while Rybakina has now cemented herself as a formidable force on the women’s tour.
Rybakina’s poise and composure under pressure were key in her comeback, as she kept her cool to convert crucial points and prevent Sabalenka from regaining momentum. Her powerful serve and steady groundstrokes proved decisive, showcasing why she is now a two-time Grand Slam champion and a rising star in international tennis.
Summary:
Elena Rybakina came back from 3-0 down in the third set to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the Australian Open final. Rybakina secured her first Australian Open title and second Grand Slam trophy overall, overcoming Sabalenka’s strong start and ending her recent streak of major final disappointments.
