In a show of absolute bravado, sublime skills and staggering gumption, Elena Rybakina quelled a ferocious challenge from the top seed and World no. 1, Aryna Sabalenka to win her maiden Australian Open Title.
Rybakina, in the process, took sweet revenge for her loss to Sabalenka in the high-octane Australian Open final in 2023, and though she did beat Sabalenka in the WTA final in December, getting past the powerful Sabalenka in a grand slam final required something special, which Rybakina delivered.
Sabalenka was looking good for her 3rd Australian Open and did not play badly in the final. Just that she was beaten by a better player on that day.
The first set was well matched, but the aggressive Rybakina surged ahead and closed out the set at 6-4. Sabalenka fought back and won the second 6-4 and then took a massive stride in the match by racing to a 3-0 lead in the third and final set.
Rybakina, however, stepped up a gear and with nothing to lose staged a tremendous counter. She made it 3-3 and then at 4-4, broke Sabalenka to take a 5-4 lead. Serving for the match, Rybakina held her nerve, served impeccably and finished off the match with an ace.
It was a close match with both players securing 92 points; however, Rybakina just held herself together, played extremely well at the most critical time in the match, hitting winners and acing her serve to win a memorable final. Even Sabalenka accepted being outplayed by Rybakina on crucial points.
Rybakina had no wild celebrations, just a fist and a bit of a smile. What a player and what a role model for younger players.
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