Elena Rybakina claimed the Australian Open 2026 title, defeating world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in a thrilling final, 6–4, 4–6, 6–4.

The championship match lasted two hours and 18 minutes and lived up to expectations, with both players producing powerful baseline rallies and intense exchanges on return. Rybakina made a strong start by taking the opening set, but Sabalenka raised her level in the second to draw level.

In the deciding set, the Kazakh player stayed calmer at the key moments, converted her break points more effectively and held on to her advantage to the end. Sabalenka pushed hard for a comeback, but Rybakina never allowed her back into control of the match.

During the trophy ceremony, Rybakina thanked her opponent, the organisers and the fans.

“It’s hard to find the words right now. Thank you for creating such an amazing atmosphere — it was a real battle. Thank you so much, Kazakhstan, and to all my supporters, I felt your energy.

Thank you to everyone involved in this tournament — it really is a ‘happy Slam’ for me. I love playing here in front of you guys.

Thank you to my team — without you I wouldn’t be here. Thanks to the tournament’s medical staff for taking care of the players. I also want to thank my sponsors and the president of our federation, Bulat Utemuratov.

There were two more matches involving Kazakh players today, which is a great achievement for our tennis. I hope we can keep moving in this direction.”

The victory marked Rybakina’s 10th straight win against a top-10 opponent and her 20th win in her last 21 matches. It was also her second Grand Slam singles title, following her triumph at Wimbledon in 2022, and the 12th trophy of her professional career.

Earlier in the week, she had risen to No.3 in the WTA rankings.

Bulat Utemuratov, president of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, hailed the tournament as a landmark moment for the country.

“This Australian Open has been historic for Kazakhstan. We had a record number of players involved, including three juniors, which is a major achievement for our national programme. Elena Rybakina’s triumph has confirmed her place among the world’s top three and brought her second Grand Slam title.

Our system was also represented by Anna Danilina, who reached the women’s doubles final, and Zhangar Nurlanuly, who became the first Kazakh player to reach the semi-finals of the junior event in Melbourne. I am confident these results will inspire the next generation and give a powerful boost to tennis in our country. I wish all our players continued success, steady progress and strong performances on the international stage.”