The result marked a reversal of their 2023 final, in which Sabalenka defeated Rybakina, before going on to beat Qinwen Zheng in 2024. However, recent seasons have seen Sabalenka struggle, with defeats to Madison Keys at the Australian Open and Coco Gauff at the French Open in 2025. Such a loss in 2026 is likely to prove a difficult setback.
Indeed, “I was really upset with myself, but she was the better player,” Sabalenka said in the aftermath of her defeat. While disappointed in the result, the Belarusian gave a strong overall performance throughout the tournament.
I was really upset with myself, but she was the better player
For Rybakina, the victory was not an easy one, as she acknowledged Sabalenka is a tough component. Any match against the world number one is likely challenging, yet the Kazakh has enjoyed an excellent run of form in recent months, including victories over Iga Świątek at the WTA Finals group stage and Sabalenka herself in the tournament’s final. This marks her tenth match victory in a row against top 10 opponents.
The victory will see Elena Rybakina rise to world number three, having dropped just one set throughout her time in Melbourne. Commentators Tim Henmann and Anne Keothavong praised Rybakina’s resilience throughout the match, with the 26-year-old herself acknowledging that she didn’t expect to turn the match around.
Both players will now turn their attention to the BNP Paribas Open in March, as they continue their early-season campaigns.