Elena Rybakina has won her second Grand Slam singles title at the 2026 Australian Open, ending a four-year wait since her Wimbledon victory in 2022. The 26-year-old Kazakh player defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set final, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, in Melbourne. Rybakina demonstrated resilience and tactical excellence, overcoming a strong start from Sabalenka and a pivotal rally in the second set to secure her victory. The win marks her return to the top echelons of women's tennis, moving her to third in the world rankings and extending her winning streak against top-10 opponents to 10 matches. Rybakina's powerful serve, precise ball striking, and mental toughness were key factors in her success, and her victory is seen as a potential springboard for further major titles. Sabalenka, despite her aggressive variety and impressive performance, was unable to impose her game fully and suffered her third defeat in recent Grand Slam finals. Rybakina expressed her pride and gratitude towards her team and Kazakhstan, while Sabalenka acknowledged her opponent's performance and expressed hope for improvement in future tournaments.