With her first Australian Open title now etched in history, Kazakhstani tennis star Elena Rybakina has set her sights on becoming the top player in women’s tennis. Rybakina’s recent victory over world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka marks a significant milestone in her career, as she reversed a previous defeat from three years ago on Rod Laver Arena to claim her second major title.
Rybakina, 26, showcased her prowess by securing grand slam victories on both hardcourt and grass surfaces. Her latest triumph, a hard-fought 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win, solidifies her status as one of the sport’s elite players. Reflecting on her ambitions, Rybakina expressed her aspirations, stating, “Yeah, I have big goals. Of course, time will show, but definitely we will keep on working, and hopefully, I achieve my goals. Let’s see what’s going to happen.”
Rybakina’s Road to Victory
Rybakina’s journey to the Australian Open title was marked by resilience and determination. She did not drop a set at Melbourne Park until the final, where she faced a formidable opponent in Sabalenka. Overcoming a challenging start in the deciding set, Rybakina mounted a comeback, winning six of the next seven games to seal her victory.
Reflecting on her past encounter with Sabalenka, Rybakina noted, “Last time I was close, but Aryna played really well that match. She went for her shots. She was serving really well, and I think she was even risking a little bit because the second serve was going almost as [fast as her] first.”
Dominance and Determination
Rybakina’s form has been nothing short of exceptional. Since her Wimbledon victory, she has won more matches on the WTA tour than any other player. Her victory at the Australian Open was a testament to her consistency and skill, as she defeated three top-10 players, including world No.2 Iga Swiatek and American Jessica Pegula, to secure her place in the final.
After her win, Rybakina expressed gratitude to her team, saying, “We had a lot of things going on [lately], and I’m really glad that we achieved this result. And thank you to all of you. Hopefully, we can keep on going strong this year.”
The Impact on Women’s Tennis
Rybakina’s victory is a significant challenge to the established order in women’s tennis. By winning the Australian Open, she has matched world No.3 Coco Gauff with two major victories. Her performance in Melbourne, along with her triumph at the WTA Finals in Riyadh last November, positions her as a formidable contender for the top spot in women’s tennis.
This victory also marks Rybakina as the first player since Naomi Osaka in 2019 to claim the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup by defeating three top 10 players, including the world’s top two. Her success is a testament to her growing influence and potential to reshape the landscape of women’s tennis.
Sabalenka’s Reflections
For Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open final was another missed opportunity. Despite leading 3-0 in the final set, Sabalenka was unable to maintain her advantage, ultimately conceding the match to Rybakina. Reflecting on the match, Sabalenka said, “Maybe I should have tried to be more aggressive on my serve [in the final set], knowing that I have a break and put pressure on her, but she played incredible.”
Sabalenka’s journey to the final was marked by high expectations and pressure, having reached the final stage twice in consecutive years. Her reflections on the match highlight the fine margins that define success and failure at the highest level of the sport.
As Rybakina continues to ascend in the world of tennis, her recent triumph signifies not only personal redemption but also a potential shift in the power dynamics of women’s tennis. With her eyes set on the No.1 ranking, Rybakina’s journey is one to watch closely in the coming months.
