26-year-old world No. 5 Elena Rybakina claimed her second career Grand Slam title after defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a hotly contested final.
The athlete thus managed to win two of the three Grand Slam finals she has played so far, after the success achieved at Wimbledon in 2022, and the recent one at the Australian Open 2026.
“She played well and it was hard to come back in the third set!”
Visibly relaxed and happy, Rybakina appeared at the press conference with a big smile, celebrating the victory with a glass of champagne and talking about the emotions experienced after the duel with Aryna Sabalenka.
“It’s an incredible achievement. I’m very happy and proud. It was a very hard fight. I didn’t expect to turn the tide of the match. Aryna is a very strong opponent, but I’m very happy that this time I’m holding the trophy in my hands. I knew that if I was going to have the chance to lead, I’d have to try some risky shots and move on. Not waiting for mistakes or going to long exchanges. It’s awesome, and again, it’s amazing to I hold the trophy in my hands this time.
I’m glad I was able to take advantage of the opportunities I had during the match and win in the end. The second set was very difficult, just like the first, but I took the lead and broke early in the first set so it was easier, but then in the second set it was very tight. I didn’t level up. She played well and it was hard to come back in the third set. I’m glad that even though I was at a disadvantage, I was able to calm down, not get frustrated and just focus on each point and stay close to the score!”admitted Elena Rybakina, during the press conference.
“I think it’s a win for the whole team!”
In addition to the resounding success at the Australian Open, Rybakina also managed to win the WTA Finals trophy. However, the athlete from Kazakhstan does not feel invincible. She also discussed her relationship with coach Stefano Vukov, currently suspended for a period.
“Not really. This year I played in Brisbane where we lost. I feel like in the last two weeks I’ve improved, which is really good. I’m really proud of the work I’ve done with the team and finding my best form here at the Grand Slam.
About Stefano, I didn’t think anything special, because we won many titles together, even last year in Ningbo, at the WTA Finals, and now, with this trophy, I felt again proud and grateful to my team for the work done. We prepared well. We had some ups and downs during the preseason, even earlier this year in the first tournament. So, yes, I am very happy. Again, I think it’s a win for the whole team, for everyone who supports me. I just hope I can keep this momentum going throughout the season and keep improving!”said the double Grand Slam champion.
“They are strong opponents, they have excellent results!”
Rybakina achieved a rare feat, becoming only the fourth player since 1975 to win the Australian Open after defeating the world’s top two players, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
“They are strong opponents, they have excellent results and they have been at the top of the ranking for a long time without losing their consistency. I am glad that now I am back at this level and I hope that I can be consistent throughout the season, continue to show great tennis and get good results!”she emphasized.
In the last four years, the Kazakhstani player has faced various problems, but nothing has deterred her from putting all her efforts to regain her form: “I always believed I could get back to the level I was at. Of course we all have ups and downs. I think everyone thought or maybe I’ll never reach the final again or even win a trophy again, but it’s all about work. I think I’ve put in a lot of effort with the team and they’ve supported me a lot. I have big goals. We’ll definitely keep working and I hope to achieve all my goals.
In the moments when I was not so optimistic, they helped me from the shadows. Of course, when you get some wins, big wins against top players, you start to believe in yourself more, you become more confident. You can have some plans, but then you wake up in the morning and everything is completely different. I think it’s all about communication and, yes, having amazing people around you!”.
