Elena Rybakina is now a two-time Grand Slam champion after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the 2026 Australian Open women’s singles final.
The Kazakh star beat Sabalenka in three sets, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to hoist her first Australian Open trophy.
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Rybakina, who was seeded fifth at Melbourne Park this year, dropped her first set of the tournament against the Belarusian, but came through in the decider to seal the win.
After her triumph, the champion had a message for the runner-up in her speech during the trophy presentation.
Elena Rybakina sends message to Aryna Sabalenka in Melbourne
“It’s hard to find words now but of course I want to congrats Aryna with amazing results for a couple of years,” said Rybakina.
“I know it’s tough, but I hope we are going to play many finals together and congrats to your team on many improvements, a great job you have done.
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“I want to say thank you to you guys for such an incredible atmosphere, it was vital. Your support kept us going. And thank you so much to Kazakhstan, I felt the support from that corner a lot.
“Thank you, everyone, who made the tournament possible, Tennis Australia, Craig, as well for making us feel so well. It’s a really happy Slam, and I always enjoy coming here and playing in front of you guys.
“Of course, I would like to say thank you to my team. Without you it would not be possible really. We had a lot of things going on. I am really glad that we achieved this result. Thank you to all of you. Hopefully we can keep going strong this year.
“Also, I would like to say thank you to the medical team here, always doing a great job. I hope I didn’t forget anyone!
“Actually, I want to say thank you to my sponsors, of course and the President of the Tennis Federation. Thank you for always coming and supporting us.
“Today we had a few other matches with Kazakhstan players. I am really proud, and hopefully we can continue doing a great job.”
Ons Jabeur congratulates Elena Rybakina for her victory
Following Rybakina’s victory, three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur took to social media to congratulate her.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Jabeur said: “Bravo.”
The Tunisian, who reached back-to-back Wimbledon finals in 2022 and 2023, was beaten in her first trip to the championship match at the All England Club by Rybakina.
Rybakina came back from a set down to overcome Jabeur in the title bout at Wimbledon that season to secure a maiden Grand Slam title.
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