There was a pivotal moment in the Australian Open final when Aryna Sabalenka realized that victory had slipped through her fingers. Leading Elena Rybakina 3-0 in the third and deciding set, Sabalenka seemed destined to lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup once more. However, under the roof of Rod Laver Arena, the match began to unravel for the world number one.
Rybakina held serve in the fourth game and then broke Sabalenka’s serve, narrowing the gap to 3-2. With another service hold, the Kazakhstani leveled the score at 3-3. The turning point arrived in the seventh game, where Sabalenka faced two break points at 15-40. Although she saved one, an unforced error on her forehand gave Rybakina a 4-3 lead, shifting the momentum of the match.
Sabalenka, visibly frustrated, expressed her emotions to her coaching team and took it out on her racquet during the next two games. Rybakina, the fifth seed, served for the match at 5-4 and clinched her second major title with an ace, completing a gripping 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory.
“I was 3-0 [in the third set]. I lost my focus and it was 3-4,” reflected a glum Sabalenka after the final. “She did a better job in handling that pressure moment, that’s for sure.”
Lessons from a Tough Loss
Losing a second consecutive Australian Open final was painful enough for Sabalenka, but knowing she was ahead in the third set added to her disappointment. “Maybe I should have tried to be more aggressive on my serve, knowing that I have a break and put pressure on her,” Sabalenka admitted. “But she played incredible. She made some winners. I made a couple of unforced errors.”
Sabalenka’s reflections highlight the fine margins in tennis, where a few points can drastically alter the outcome. “Of course, I have regrets … you lead 3-0 and then it felt like in a few seconds it was 3-4 and I was down a break. So it was very fast. Great tennis from her. Maybe not so smart for me,” she added.
Rybakina’s Winning Strategy
Rybakina’s comeback in the final set was not fueled by a sudden burst of inspiration or an emotional rallying cry. Instead, her ability to remain calm under pressure was key. “I’m happy that being down [on the scoreboard], I was able to calm myself down,” Rybakina said. “Not be frustrated anymore and just focus on each point and stay closer to the score.”
Rybakina’s victory avenged her tense three-set loss to Sabalenka in the 2023 Australian Open final, where the Belarusian claimed her first major title. Sabalenka was the favorite on Saturday evening, given her past successes at Melbourne Park and her flawless performance leading to the final. However, Rybakina, who won Wimbledon in 2022, was never an underdog. She too had not lost a set before the final and had previously defeated six-time major champion Iga Świątek in the tournament.
“Aryna is a very tough opponent, but I’m super happy that this time I’m holding the trophy,” Rybakina said.
Looking Ahead
For Sabalenka, the loss is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of tennis. “It’s tennis — today you’re the loser, tomorrow you’re the winner,” she remarked. “Hopefully, I’ll be more of a winner this season than a loser. Hoping right now and praying.”
With three more Grand Slam opportunities this season, Sabalenka remains hopeful for redemption. Meanwhile, Rybakina’s triumph adds another chapter to her growing legacy, as she continues to establish herself as a formidable force in women’s tennis. The next 12 months will be crucial for both players as they aim to build on their performances and chase further glory on the world stage.
