Elena Rybakina ousted Aryna Sabalenka to become the Australian Open champion for the first time in Melbourne.
Rybakina won a three-set battle against Sabalenka, which more than showcased two of the best players in the world.
The 2026 Australian Open champion is now within touching distance of Iga Swiatek’s world number two position, with just 368 points between Rybakina and the Pole.
Having beaten world number one Sabalenka twice in a row now, Rybakina has been told the weapons she had which the Belarusian star really struggles with.
Coco Vandeweghe pinpoints why Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka
Rybakina went a break down in the deciding set, but then rattled off five games in a row to put herself in the driving seat.
Sabalenka looked shellshocked against the big server and CoCo Vandeweghe said the world number one had no answers against the world number three.
Speaking on TNT Sports, the American said: “I think it’s more credit to Elena’s game. What she can do and how she can rush her.
Is Rybakina the best player on the WTA Tour right now?
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“There are players who on paper might not look like they should be a tough match up but they are. Aryna and Elena both do things very similarly. They serve well and play their games off the serve.
“But when you start matching them pace for pace, punch for punch and when you see Aryna not winning you can see her start breaking down and looking around at her team. What do I do next? How do I counter act that?”
Vandeweghe believes Sabalenka must change her tactics for future battles with Rybakina following yet another loss.
“She has tried to implement different strategies. Coming to the net more, trying to slice more, using the drop shot.
“But it’s still so hard to do when that ball is coming 80+ mph to have the hands and feel to do it. Not everyone is Carlos Alcaraz and has hands like velvet.”
Elena Rybakina’s incredible run since the WTA Finals
It’s easy to forget that Rybakina very nearly failed to qualify for the WTA Finals, having snuck in with one of the last remaining places.
Since then, the star has been on a remarkable run that has seen her win two titles and win 14 of her last 15 matches.
The star has picked up wins against Swiatek, Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, and Amanda Anisimova during her incredible run.
Who wins more Grand Slams in their career – Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka?
The only player to defeat Rybakina is Karolina Muchova, who managed to knock the star out of the Brisbane International quarter-finals.
Rybakina’s next tournament is expected to be at the Qatar Open, which begins on 8 February. The star has never won the tournament, but she did reach the final in 2024.
She lost to Swiatek in straight sets as the Pole lifted her third trophy at the Qatar Open.
After her Australian Open success, Rybakina has to be considered one of the favourites for the WTA 500 event.
