Elena Rybakina has now won her second Grand Slam title after claiming victory at the Australian Open.
Rybakina beat Aryna Sabalenka to win the Australian Open for the first time, over three years since she won her first major title at Wimbledon in 2022.
Despite winning the first set of the final, Rybakina had to fight back to beat Sabalenka from 3-0 down in the decider.
Rybakina has now stated her focus going forward, as well as picking which of her Grand Slam title victories meant more to her.
Elena Rybakina suggests which Grand Slam win meant more
Rybakina won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022, and was predicted by many to go on and win multiple more majors.
Now after winning her second major title, Rybakina was asked to compare the feelings of winning Wimbledon and the Australian Open.
In her response, Rybakina suggested that Wimbledon meant more as her first Grand Slam, as she explained the stress she felt back in 2022 which is not as present now.
“It is different feelings, I will say, because Wimbledon was my first experience getting that far in the tournament, and I won straightaway,” Rybakina said in her post-match press conference.
“I remember I was not sleeping well, semis, even quarters. Final I don’t even talk, like, how many emotions and how many thoughts was going through my head. Yeah, it was really stressful, I will say, Wimbledon.
“I think with the experience, with the years on tour, I learned a lot. Later on, of course, you have same emotions. You want to win, but it’s kind of different. I was managing to sleep well here, and that’s a good thing.
“I mean, what’s the worst thing can happen, which my coach always tells me, you lose, but then you get another opportunity to play next week. And we have so many slams yet, so I was kind of probably focused and not as stressed.”
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Elena Rybakina explains what she did differently against Aryna Sabalenka in this Australian Open final
Although she had not added to her Grand Slam tally until now, Rybakina had been in another major final at the 2023 Australian Open.
On that occasion she was beaten by Sabalenka in three sets, with Rybakina being asked if she was more motivated this time around due to that past experience.
While she did not confirm or deny if that was the case, Rybakina explained that she tried to take more risks against Sabalenka on this occasion.
“Yeah, last time I was close, but Aryna played really well that match,” said Rybakina. “I remember that she stepped in. She went for her shots. She was serving really well, and I think she was even risking a little bit because the second serve was going almost as first.
“I knew that today if I get a chance to lead that I will need to try also kind of some risky shots and just go for it. Not definitely wait for any mistakes or even get to the long rallies. Yeah, it is great, and again, it’s amazing to hold this trophy this time.”
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Elena Rybakina responds when asked if she now feels unbeatable
Rybakina has now won 20 of her last 21 matches, which has seen her win titles in Ningbo, the WTA Finals and now the Australian Open.
As a result, Rybakina was asked if she now feels unbeatable after lifting her second Grand Slam title.
“Not really,” answered Rybakina. “I mean, I just played in Brisbane. I lost the match there. I feel like throughout couple of weeks I improved, which is really nice.
“Yeah, each match was different, but again, the serve was in the beginning not as good. The movement was not the same as today and semifinal match.
“So I’m just very proud of the work we did with the team, and actually that I found my kind of best form here at the Grand Slam.”
Rybakina will now rise to world number three after winning the Australian Open, which matches her previous career-high ranking.
The 26-year-old is next scheduled to compete at WTA 1000 tournaments in Doha and Dubai.
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