Elena Rybakina secured her second Grand Slam title on Saturday after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final.
The Kazakhstani star beat the world number one 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, and was later congratulated by the Kazakhstan President.
Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, avenged her loss to Sabalenka in the 2023 Australian Open final and is once again a major contender for Grand Slam titles moving forward.
After defeating Sabalenka on Rod Laver Arena, Billie Jean King sent the 28-year-old champion a message on social media.
Is Rybakina the best player on the WTA Tour right now?
If not, who is better?
Billie Jean King’s message to Elena Rybakina
Billie Jean King is one of the most iconic figures in the history of tennis.
A 12-time Grand Slam singles champion, King won the famous Battle of the Sexes match and was an instrumental figure in the establishment of the Women’s Tennis Association and the fight for equal prize money across sexes.
King, who also won 16 Grand Slam doubles titles, posted a message on social media congratulating Rybakina on her triumph in Melbourne.
“Outstanding effort from Elena Rybakina, the 2026 Australian Open Women’s Singles Champion! Congratulations!”
King also paid tribute to Aryna Sabalenka, who has lost a third Grand Slam final in four attempts.
King added: “And cheers to Aryna Sabalenka for leaving it all on the court.”
Rybakina returns to Grand Slam-winning form
Elena Rybakina had failed to qualify for a Grand Slam final since the 2023 Australian Open, and frequently underwhelmed when playing on the biggest stages.
However, the Kazakh star has endeavoured and placed those troubles in the past; cementing her place in the pantheon of women’s tennis stars.
The Kazakh player will surely be a threat for Grand Slam titles throughout the rest of 2026, particularly on hard-courts.
Who wins more Grand Slams in their career – Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka?
Rybakina has become an elite player on hard-courts, with only Aryna Sabalenka able to match her quality on the surface.
