Australia Open: Elena Rybakina wins women’s singles title in gritty three-set comeback

Elena Rybakina claimed the Australian Open women’s singles crown , defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6‑4, 4‑6, 6‑4 in a thrilling final that had fans on the edge of their seats.

Rybakina started strongly, using her powerful serve and precise groundstrokes to take the first set. Sabalenka fought back in the second, leveling the match and forcing a decider. Down 0‑3 in the final set , Rybakina staged a remarkable comeback, winning five consecutive games and closing out the match with a championship-winning ace to secure her first Australian Open title and second Grand Slam trophy .

The victory also marked redemption for Rybakina, who had lost to Sabalenka in a previous Melbourne final. Sabalenka fought valiantly but could not stop Rybakina’s late surge, finishing as runner-up for the second consecutive year. The tightly contested final highlighted the razor-thin margins at the top of women’s tennis, with both players winning 92 points apiece .

In doubles action, Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai won the women’s doubles title, defeating Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic in straight sets 7‑6(4), 6‑4 , while Neal Skupski and Christian Harrison captured the men’s doubles crown , claiming their first Grand Slam together with a 7‑6(4), 6‑4 win over Australian wildcards Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans.

The trophy presentation added to the day’s excitement as former champion Jennifer Capriati made a rare appearance to present Rybakina with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, creating a historic moment for fans and players alike.

Looking ahead, all eyes now turn to the men’s singles final on Sunday, Feb 1 , where Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz will clash for the championship in what promises to be another classic showdown.

Elena Rybakina’s triumph headlines today’s Australian Open story , a remarkable display of determination and skill that cements her place among the elite of women’s tennis.