Elena Rybakina’s masterful run continued at the Australian Open as she lifted her second Grand Slam in Melbourne.
The Kazakhstan star defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to confirm her first Grand Slam win since Wimbledon in 2022.
Rybakina has now won 14 of her last 15 matches dating back to her triumph at the WTA Finals at the end of 2025.
After her landmark win, Rybakina has been sent a message from the Kazakhstan president mere hours after lifting the title.
Elena Rybakina praised by Kazahstan’s president after Australian Open win
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent a message of congratulations to Rybakina following her victory in Melbourne.
It is the first time in Kazakhstani history that a player has lifted the Australian Open and the nation were delighted with Rybakina’s triumph.
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“I sincerely congratulate you on another outstanding sporting achievement – a brilliant and convincing victory at the Australian Open tennis championship,” he wrote via a press release on social media.
“Once again, you have clearly demonstrated your impeccable technique and strong will to win, achieving a result that has earned the admiration of the entire global tennis community.
“I wish you further sporting successes and new victories at the world’s most prestigious tournaments.”
Rybakina switched her nationality from Russian to play under the Kazakh flag back in 2018, when she was just 18 years old.
Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka produce remarkable star in the Australian Open final
The Australian Open’s opening rounds were, quite rightly, criticised for its lack of action, but it has certainly come to life in the closing few days.
The men’s semi-finals were arguably the best day of tennis in the sport, and Sabalenka and Rybakina’s match lived up to its billing too.
The pair played out a very narrow contest, which is exhibited by the number of points they both won in the match.
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Rybakina and Sabalenka both scored 92 points in the final, meaning the match truly could have gone in either direction.
The pair were also scarily similar on first and second serve points won. Sabalenka produced 75% on her first serve, while Rybakina edged those stats with 76%.
The pair both won 48% of their second serve points and they were close in winners and unforced errors too.
Sabalenka and Rybakina could have given a glimpse into the direction that the top of the WTA Tour could be heading in the next few years.
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