Elena Rybakina took her 2023 revenge against Aryna Sabalenka, winning her maiden Australian Open title after shocking the World No.1 at Rod Laver Arena 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 on Saturday, January 31.
Elena Rybaina broke Sabalenka twice
Sabalenka fought back with a win in the second set 6-4, and claimed a strong 3-0 lead in the third set. However, Rybakina managed to break Sabalenka twice to turn the tables around and win the third set 6-4.
Maiden Australian Open title for Elena Rybakina
With this, Rybakina clinched her maiden Australian Open title, and second career Grand Slam. For Sabalenka, it is a second straight Australian Open final defeat.
Rybakina becomes first Kazakh Australian Open winner
Rybakina has become the first ever tennis player from Kazakhstan to win the Australian Open. She was also the first from her native country to secure a Grand Slam when she secured the Wimbledon title in 2022. With this, Rybakina continued her amazing run against the top 10 players. This was her 10th straight win over a top-10 ranked player.
Rybakina join hands with Sharapova after Australian Open win
Rybakina's win came with a few records. She has become the first player to defeat three top-six player en route to the Women's Singles Australian Open title since Maria Sharapova did it in 2008. Rybakina had defeated second-seeded Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinal before defeating the sixth-seeded Jessica Pegula in the semifinal.