Elena Rybakina Beats Aryna Sabalenka For Australian Open Title
Rybakina rallied to beat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Jan. 25, 2025 for her second Grand Slam.
Overview
Tournament officials confirmed Elena Rybakina defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Jan. 25, 2025 to win the Australian Open title.
Elena Rybakina, 26, rallied from a 3-0 deficit in the third set to win five straight games and claim her second Grand Slam since winning Wimbledon in 2022, she said after the match.
Aryna Sabalenka said in a post-match news conference that she was "really upset" at missed opportunities after blowing a 3-0 lead in the third set.
Records show Rybakina has won 20 of her last 21 matches and will return to No. 3 in the Women's Tennis Association rankings following the victory.
Rybakina said she hopes to carry the momentum through the rest of the season and continue working with coach Stefano Vukov, she said in a post-match news conference.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Rybakina's victory as a quiet, resilient comeback, using evaluative phrases ('quiet achievers,' 'low‑key celebration') and selection of modest, team-focused quotes. Editorial choices highlight narrative arc — past turmoil, steady resurgence, and understated triumph — while minimizing Sabalenka’s perspective beyond brief regret, shaping an uplifting, athlete-centered storyline.