Elena Rybakina Claims Second Grand Slam Title at Australian Open

"The heart rate was definitely beating too fast. Even maybe (my) face didn't show, but inside it was a lot of emotions," said Rybakina, 26, who represents Kazakhstan but was born in Moscow. She noted, "It's an opportunity to close. I knew that the only advantage I have in this moment (is) I have to serve it out."

Rybakina, who won her first Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2022, took the first set after breaking Sabalenka in the opening game. Although she lost the second set and fell behind 3-0 in the third, Rybakina rallied to win five consecutive games, finishing the match with an ace on her first championship point. "It gives me a kind of relief; also, a lot of confidence for sure for the rest of the season," she commented.

This latest win marks a resurgence for Rybakina, who had struggled to reach major finals since her initial victory but had been on a hot streak entering the tournament, with 20 wins in her last 21 matches. She attributed improvements in her game to a previous victory over Sabalenka at the WTA Finals last November.

Rybakina showcased powerful serving, recording six aces and saving six breakpoints during the match, while maintaining a calm demeanor throughout. In contrast, Sabalenka, who had won three majors since their last meeting in the finals, expressed her discontent with her performance after leading 3-0 in the final set. "Of course, I have regrets. When you lead 3-Love... it was very fast," she said. She remains hopeful for a successful season.

As the two players embraced at the net, Rybakina celebrated her victory by raising her arms to the crowd and kissing the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.