Australian Open 2026 women final: Elena Rybakina wins first set over Sabalenka
Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka celebrates after winning the second set during the Australian Open 2026 women’s singles final in Melbourne on January 31, 2026
| Photo Credit: Reuters
World number one Aryna Sabalenka won the second set 6-4 to force the Australian Open women’s final against Elena Rybakina into a third and deciding set on Saturday (January 31, 2026).
Fifth seed Rybakina, who was born in Moscow but represents Kazakhstan, won the first set 6-4.
Earlier, fifth seed Elena Rybakina won the first set of the Australian Open final.
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina in action during the Australian Open tennis championship women’s final against Aryna Sabalenka in Melbourne on January 31, 2026
| Photo Credit:
Reuters
The 26-year-old, who was born in Moscow but represents Kazakhstan, broke in the first game and served out for the set 6-4 in 37 minutes at Melbourne Park.
Rybakina is chasing a first Australian Open title while Belarusian Sabalenka is seeking her third.
Published – January 31, 2026 03:08 pm IST
