Sabalenka Seeks Third Crown in Melbourne Showdown Against Rybakina
MELBOURNE, 31 January 2026 – The stage is set for a blockbuster rematch at Rod Laver Arena as World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka prepares to face fifth seed Elena Rybakina for the Australian Open women’s singles title. The final, scheduled for Saturday evening, is a repeat of the 2023 decider and pits the tournament’s dominant force against a player seeking revenge and a second Grand Slam trophy.
Sabalenka’s Imperious Path
Aryna Sabalenka has stormed into her fourth consecutive Australian Open final, dropping just one set en route. The Belarusian powerhouse dispatched Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 in a straightforward semi-final, a match notable for Svitolina’s continued refusal of a post-match handshake due to the ongoing political tensions. Sabalenka’s run reinforces her status as the queen of Melbourne Park in recent years, having claimed the title in 2023 and 2024 before falling to Madison Keys in a thrilling final last year. She enters the championship match having reached seven consecutive hard-court Grand Slam finals.
The Rybakina Challenge
Standing in her way is Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion. The Kazakh player arrives with momentum from a WTA Finals championship at the end of the previous season and possesses the powerful, clean-hitting game capable of disrupting Sabalenka’s rhythm. While Sabalenka leads their head-to-head rivalry 8-6 overall, Rybakina has won three of their last five encounters, setting the scene for a finely balanced contest. Their 2023 final, won by Sabalenka in three sets, remains a classic.
Key Facts & Stats
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Players & Ranking | Aryna Sabalenka (World No. 1) vs. Elena Rybakina (World No. 5) |
| Head-to-Head | Sabalenka leads 8-6 (Sabalenka leads 2-0 in Grand Slam meetings) |
| Sabalenka’s AO Record | Champion (2023, 2024), Finalist (2025), Finalist (2026*) |
| Road to the Final | Sabalenka: d. Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 (SF). Rybakina: To be determined from sources. |
| Notable Context | Sabalenka competes as a neutral athlete under international sports regulations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Sabalenka’s semi-final?
Sabalenka defeated Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3. The match included a controversial hindrance call against Sabalenka for grunting, which she later stated “pissed me off” but ultimately helped her focus and win. Political tensions were evident as Svitolina, from Ukraine, did not offer a handshake afterwards, a now-familiar protocol between Ukrainian and Belarusian athletes.
Who is favoured to win the final?
World No. 1 and two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka is considered the favourite based on her form and history at this event. However, Elena Rybakina’s recent record against top players and her powerful game make her a serious threat. It is considered one of the most compelling matchups on the WTA tour.
When is the Australian Open 2026 women’s final?
The final is scheduled for Saturday, 31 January 2026, in the evening session at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne.