Aryna Sabalenka was looking to become a three-time Australian Open champion.
It wasn’t to be, though, as Sabalenka lost to Rybakina 4-6, 6-4, 4-6, in the 2026 Australian Open final.
The Belarusian dropped the first set before powering back to take the second, forcing a decider on Rod Laver Arena.
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Sabalenka took a 3-0 lead in the third set, but couldn’t secure the win.
During BBC Radio 5 Live’s post-match coverage, former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash delivered his verdict on Sabalenka’s third-set collapse.
Pat Cash says Aryna Sabalenka ‘capitulated’ in the third set vs Elena Rybakina
“[Aryna] Sabalenka will go away with a lot of things to think about,” said Cash.
“She basically capitulated.”
He did, however, take a moment to praise Rybakina for battling back from a 0-3 deficit.
“What a great performance!” he said.
“Elena Rybakina was gone for all money really in that third set, with Aryna Sabalenka not far away from that double break, but she started making those first-serve returns, and they were absolutely crucial.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina – Match stats
| Player | Aces | Double faults | 1st Serve % | Win % on 1st Serve | Win % on 2nd Serve | Break points |
| Aryna Sabalenka | 5 | 2 | 62% | 75% | 52% | 2/8 |
| Elena Rybakina | 6 | 3 | 55% | 76% | 51% | 3/6 |
“She just continued to return really well and serve so beautifully.
“Full credit to her – she got all her jitters out in the semi-final.”
Annabel Croft agreed with Cash’s first comments about Sabalenka’s third-set drop-off.
“Aryna Sabalenka really did capitulate. I felt that she really beat herself up in that final set, and the minute that panic set in, she just steamrolled in the wrong direction,” she said.
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“When you compared the techniques towards the back end of the match, Elena Rybakina was beautifully middling the ball, and her shots were singing out of the strings.”
The Brit, like Cash, was keen to praise Rybakina, who is now a two-time Grand Slam champion.
“When Elena Rybakina is fit and on fire – and not battling injury problems or viruses – she is untouchable,” said Croft.
“Her ball-striking quality is so pure, and her shots just sound different because of the way they come out of the strings.
“The depth that she creates on the court, with her low and flat strikes, is fantastic.
“She can also take the ball up the line, as she was doing in the back end of that match.
“We were all just marvelling at her serve. I think it is absolutely beautiful and the best in the women’s game.”
Jelena Dokic suggests what Aryna Sabalenka should do next
During Channel 9’s coverage of the final, former world number four Jelena Dokic said the following about Sabalenka.
“Is she going to have a look at that composure and emotional side of it?” asked Dokic.
“Because Rybakina was the one who was more cool, calm, and collected.
“Just incredible emotional composure from Rybakina, phenomenal.
“Impressive the tennis she showed, and she deserves to be a champion here, but you do have to feel for Sabalenka.”
Sabalenka was understandably devastated after the match, having lost her third Grand Slam final since the beginning of the 2025 season.
Craig Tiley congratulates Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka
Tournament director Craig Tiley took to X shortly after the final to congratulate Rybakina and Sabalenka.
“Two dominant forces. One AO 2026 champion,” he said.
“Congratulations, Elena Rybakina – unstoppable from start to finish.
“Thank you, Aryna Sabalenka, for a brilliant fortnight.
“We look forward to welcoming you both back to Rod Laver Arena.”
Both players will undoubtedly return as favorites for the 2027 Australian Open.
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