Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina (left) poses with the trophy after winning her women's singles final against Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka. Photo: ReutersElena Rybakina delivered a thunderous display to dismantle firm favourite Aryna Sabalenka and win a maiden Australian Open title on Saturday, turning the tables on the world number one in their Melbourne Park final rematch from three years ago. "It's an incredible achievement," said the 26-year-old, who will rise to number three in the world rankings on Monday behind Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. Only a year ago at Melbourne Park, Rybakina was defending her coach Stefano Vukov, who had a provisional ban lifted by the WTA in August following an investigation into a potential breach of its code of conduct. Without you it wouldn't be possible," said Rybakina, a player transformed since the tail end of last season with 14 victories from her last 15 matches.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 01, 2026 02:10 UTC