Elena Rybakina has finally got her hands on another Grand Slam trophy, taking down Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final to claim her second major title after a four-year wait. The Kazakh's victory at Melbourne Park was a testament to her resurgence as one of the top players on the women's tour.
Rybakina, who had not won a Grand Slam since Wimbledon in 2022, ended an impressive run without a title by defeating world number one Sabalenka 6-4 4-6 6-4. The victory marked Rybakina's first Australian Open crown and sent her back to third in the world rankings, a career-high position she last occupied in September 2024.
Her win over the reigning world number one was just the latest in a string of impressive victories for Rybakina this season. Having started the year with a setback when coach Stefano Vukov was banned for breaching the WTA's Code of Conduct, Rybakina has since reemerged as the form player on the women's tour, amassing 38 wins and just one loss in her last 21 matches.
Rybakina's resurgence is being hailed by fans and pundits alike, with many tipping her to take on the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek for world number one. The 26-year-old has a long way to go if she is to catch these dominant players, but for now, she is basking in the glory of another major title.
Her journey back to the top was not an easy one. When asked about her victory at Wimbledon last year, Rybakina said "Maybe one day you will see huge reaction from me." Her understated style and humility have always been a hallmark of her game, but it seems that she may now be ready to consistently create moments worthy of big celebrations.
Rybakina's impressive win has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, with many hailing her as one of the form players on the women's tour. And for once, she is smiling from ear to ear, and celebrating in style - a rare sight indeed.
Rybakina, who had not won a Grand Slam since Wimbledon in 2022, ended an impressive run without a title by defeating world number one Sabalenka 6-4 4-6 6-4. The victory marked Rybakina's first Australian Open crown and sent her back to third in the world rankings, a career-high position she last occupied in September 2024.
Her win over the reigning world number one was just the latest in a string of impressive victories for Rybakina this season. Having started the year with a setback when coach Stefano Vukov was banned for breaching the WTA's Code of Conduct, Rybakina has since reemerged as the form player on the women's tour, amassing 38 wins and just one loss in her last 21 matches.
Rybakina's resurgence is being hailed by fans and pundits alike, with many tipping her to take on the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek for world number one. The 26-year-old has a long way to go if she is to catch these dominant players, but for now, she is basking in the glory of another major title.
Her journey back to the top was not an easy one. When asked about her victory at Wimbledon last year, Rybakina said "Maybe one day you will see huge reaction from me." Her understated style and humility have always been a hallmark of her game, but it seems that she may now be ready to consistently create moments worthy of big celebrations.
Rybakina's impressive win has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, with many hailing her as one of the form players on the women's tour. And for once, she is smiling from ear to ear, and celebrating in style - a rare sight indeed.