Aryna Sabalenka won her first-ever Grand Slam title when she downed Wimbledon Champion Elena Rybakina in the final of the Australian Open Women's Singles title in Melbourne on Saturday, January 28. The Belarusian starred in the ultimate match of the tournament after she beat Rybakina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to clinch the first Grand Slam title of the year.
Rybakina, who won the Wimbledon title in 2022 when she beat Tunisian Ons Jabeur in the final, took the first set comfortably as the match seemed to be in her grasp, but clearly, Sabalenka had other plans and eventually sealed the match despite squandering three match points. Finally, making the most of the fourth championship point in her grasp, the No.5 seed fell beyond the baseline as tears came into her eyes. She had more aces — 17 to 9, winners — 51 to 31, and overall points — 109 to 103.
Sabalenka will now move up to a career-high of No. 2 in the rankings.
The Belarusian has also won all 11 of her matches in 2023 after her thrilling victory over the Kazakhstani tennis player. Her dropped set in the first game of the match is also the first time that Sabalenka has dropped lost a set this year.
Rybakina adapted to the wind conditions early to break and go 2-1 up as Sabalenka skewed a forehand wide.
Despite the Belarusian levelling at 4-4 with a powerful backhand, Sabalenka's errant serving proved costly as five double faults allowed Rybakina to move ahead and then serve out to take the lead.
The match sprung to life as Sabalenka's serve clicked into gear. Rybakina saved two set points but had no answer on the third as an emphatic ace ensured a decider would be required.
World number 25 Rybakina was then overpowered by Sabalenka's heavy-hitting forehand and, despite saving three break points prior, the latter snatched a vital opportunity to break and go 4-3 up before moving a game away from glory.
That breakthrough ultimately proved the difference but Sabalenka had to hold her nerve, with Rybakina making her serve it out.
Despite a double fault on her first championship point and then being unable to convert her next two, Sabalenka claimed the title on her fourth match point as her opponent's forehand went long, with the relief and emotion pouring out as she dropped to the ground in delight.
(With Opta Inputs)
