2026 Australian Open: Rybakina defeats No.1 Sabalenka in three sets to claim her first Australian Open title!

On the evening of January 31st Beijing time, the 2026 Australian Open women's singles final ended with the 5th seed Rybakina rallying from 0-3 down in the final set to defeat world No.1 Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. This marked her second Grand Slam victory since Wimbledon 2022, making her the third Asian woman to win the Australian Open singles title (following Li Na and Naomi Osaka), and she extended her winning streak against TOP 10 opponents to ten consecutive wins!

Rybakina crowned Australian Open champion

Rybakina started the match with strong shot-making, breaking serve in the first game and quickly establishing a 2-0 lead. Although Sabalenka earned two break points in the eighth game, Rybakina saved them all with solid serving. When it came to the Kazakh player’s service game to close the set, she gave Sabalenka little chance and held serve to take the first set 6-4 after 37 minutes.

Sabalenka

In the second set, Sabalenka tried to fight back, earning three break points in Rybakina’s opening service game of the set. However, Rybakina’s serving under pressure was outstanding, denying any opportunities. Both players held serve as the score progressed until Sabalenka capitalized on a dip in Rybakina’s form at a critical service game, breaking serve to level the match at 6-4.

Rybakina

In the deciding set, Sabalenka served first and broke early in the second game, then saved a break point in the third game to hold serve and lead 3-0. Rybakina halted a five-game losing streak by breaking back twice and holding serve to even the score at 3-3. After losing her lead, Sabalenka’s form fluctuated, allowing Rybakina to break again and take the lead. Holding serve at 5-3, Rybakina sealed the match with a final “goodbye ace,” winning the set 6-4 and clinching the victory.

(Text and editing by Wang Fei)