Elena Rybakina came from behind in the deciding set to beat world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka and win her first Australian Open title with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory in a tense final.
Aryna Sabalenka will face Elena Rybakina in the final of the 2026 Australian Open after both ladies won their respective semifinals in straight sets on Thursday.
Elena Rybakina booked her place in the Australian Open semi-finals on Wednesday with a commanding 7-5, 6-1 victory over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals.
Elena Rybakina has played down any suggestion of a feud with Aryna Sabalenka after clinching her first WTA Finals title with a commanding victory over the world No. 1.
Elena Rybakina secured a historic payday in women's tennis by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will face off in the WTA Finals deciding match on Saturday after thrilling semi-final victories.