The Russian-born Kazakh Elena Rybakina beat Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday to claim the Australian Open title. Elena Rybakina took revenge over world number oneAryna Sabalenkato win a nail-bitingAustralian Openfinal on Saturday and clinch her second Grand Slam title. The big-serving Kazakh fifth seed held her nerve to pull through 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne in 2hrs 18mins.
It was payback after the Belarusian Sabalenka won the 2023 final between two of the hardest hitters in women’s tennis. The ice-cool Rybakina, 26, who was born in Moscow, adds her Melbourne triumph to her Wimbledon win in 2022. “Hard to find the words now,” said Rybakina, and then addressed her beaten opponent to add: “I know it is tough, but I hope we play many more finals together.” Turning to some Kazakh fans in the crowd, she said: “Thank you so much to Kazakhstan.
I felt the support from that corner a lot.” It was more disappointment in a major final for Sabalenka, who won the US Open last year for the second time but lost the French Open and Melbourne title deciders. She was into her fourth Australian Open final in a row and had been imperious until now, with tears in her eyes at the end. “Let’s hope maybe next year will be a better year for me,” Sabalenka said ruefully.
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With the roof on because of drizzle in Melbourne, Rybakina immediately broke serve and then comfortably held for 2-0. Rybakina faced two break points at 4-3, but found her range with her serve to send down an ace and dig herself out of trouble, leaving Sabalenka visibly frustrated.
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