Elena Rybakina has opened up after winning the first Australian Open title of her career, having dispatched Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 on Saturday morning.
The 26-year-old went into the showdown hoping to get revenge following her defeat to the same opponent at the same ground three years ago.
And Rybakina did exactly that, producing a powerful performance to secure the first major of her career.
It was a sensational display from the fifth seed, who dropped just a single set on her way to glory.
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And Rybakina showed class by hailing Sabalenka for her displays over the last couple of years during her on-court interview, as well as expressing hope that they'll face each other many more times.
"I want to congratulate Aryna for amazing results for a couple of years. I know it's tough. I hope we are in many more finals together," she said.
"The support [in the final] kept us going. Thank you to the Kazakhstan fans. I felt the support!"
ELENA RYBAKINA IS AN AUSTRALIAN OPEN CHAMPION 🏆
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 31, 2026
The No.5 seed defeats Aryna Sabalenka in an enthralling three-set encounter in Melbourne 👏 @wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/iWAAHFZFHR
Sabalenka, in her own interview, admitted she was lost for words.
"Honestly guys I'm really speechless," she said. "Congrats to Elena for an incredible run and incredible tennis.
"Let's hope maybe next year will be a better year for me!"
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Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PARybakina enjoyed a better start than her rival, breaking Sabalenka's serve early on before closing out the set.
The world No 1 then roared back, however, with a break forcing a deciding set.
Sabalenka opened up an early advantage, only for consecutive breaks from Rybakina to swing the match back in her favour.
In the end, the Kazakhstani star produced a sensational ace to win the trophy and claim the second Grand Slam crown of her career.
Tim Henman, meanwhile, was full of praise for the new Australian Open champion when speaking on TNT Sports.
"So many of Rybakina's great qualities were on display. She set the tone from the first game. She was absolutely fantastic," she said.
Elena Rybakina is the 2026 Australian Open champion
|GETTY
"Sabalenka showed what a great champion she is by responding and digging deep in the second set.
"You felt when Sabalenka had that break in the third, she had the match by the scruff of the neck but that's where Rybakina showed her resilience and determination to dig in and turn things around."
Henman added: "Rybakina having won Wimbledon before didn't panic after she lost five games in a row.
"She waited for her opportunities and did well to break back in the deciding set.
"Six of the last seven games in the last set were quality tennis from Rybakina."