Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina is eyeing more success after her victory over Aryna Sabalenka.
Elena Rybakina is no longer a one-slam wonder. After a thunderous charge to Australian Open glory, she's yearning for more. The 26-year-old Russian-born player roared back from a mid-match lull, conquering Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a high-octane title decider on Rod Laver Arena.
Her recent success includes knocking out world number two Iga Świątek and the sixth-ranked Jessica Pegula on her way to the final. Rybakina is the first woman since Naomi Osaka in 2019 to claim the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup with three consecutive wins over top-10 rivals.
Set to rise to number three in the world, Rybakina has won more matches than any other player on tour since last July, including 20 of her past 21. This serves as a warning to her rivals that her best years are still to come.
The Kazakh player also defeated four-time major winner Sabalenka and Świątek en route to the season-ending championship in Saudi Arabia in November, remaining unbeaten in her past 10 matches against top-10 opponents.
Despite her success, Rybakina remains humble. She admits she didn't even know these impressive statistics. She believes she can return to her previous level, acknowledging that all players experience ups and downs.
Rybakina's ambitions are clear. She aims to complete a career grand slam, having already won Wimbledon in 2022. Her next priorities are the French and US Open titles, which would complete a full set of grand slam victories.
When asked about her priorities in 2026, Rybakina confirmed her focus on all grand slams and big events. She expressed her desire to win as much as possible, stating that she's getting more hungry and motivated.
The fifth seed's finals reversal atoned for a three-set loss to Sabalenka in the 2023 Melbourne Park decider. Rybakina's comeback from a one-set deficit against her Belarusian rival three years ago is a testament to her resilience and determination.
