By Tony Fairbairn
- Aryna Sabalenka [5] def Elena Rybakina [22] 4-6 6-3 6-4
- Aryna Sabalenka said that she was ‘super happy’ to keep her emotions in check to claim a maiden Grand Slam singles title.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Aryna Sabalenka edged out Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina to claim her first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open.
 |
|---|
Aryna Sabalenka [5] def Elena Rybakina [22] 4-6 6-3 6-4
Aryna Sabalenka claimed her first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open after edging past Elena Rybakina in three sets. The opening set saw Sabalenka full of nerves and errors as Rybakina was the more consistent with her power, using the angles of the court to her advantage as she hit effective winners. An early break was secured for Rybakina who was clearly the more experienced as she settled quickly for an early 2-1 lead.
The fifth seed slowly made her way back into the match finding the type of returning power that saw her win her opening 20 sets this season. However Rybakina for the majority of the set neutralised Sabalenka’s baseline power with big and tactical serving as she secured comfortable service holds.
The Kazakh’s composure on serve would be tested in the eighth game though as Sabalenka forced more errors from Rybakina and her returning consistency proved too much as she earned the break back with a backhand passing shot. After securing the break back at 4-4, the errors once again came as this match wasn’t just about who could control their power better but who could control their nerves better.
More errors and another double fault sealed the break back as she took a 5-4 lead. There was no mistake from Rybakina towards the end of the opening set as she fired down some big serves to clinch the set to love and take a giant step towards lifting a second Grand Slam title.
Sabalenka’s nerves and consistency would be further tested at the start of the second set as Rybakina continued to be aggressive on return. To the Belarusian’s credit, she saved two break points and immediately responded with some powerful shots of her own on return. The Belarusian started to add tactical variety to her repertoire, forcing Rybakina to play short balls or to come to the net which Sabalenka exposed successfully to take a 3-1 lead.
There was no dip in aggression from Sabalenka as she even threatened the double break when she had three break points to take a 5-1 lead. However Rybakina used her champions instincts to save three break points and dig deep to hold in a long and brutal sixth game. The Belarusian’s big-serving continued though and despite not converting two set points in the eighth game, Sabalenka took her third set point to seal the second set.
It was all to play for in what was a dramatic and high-quality final set of tennis with both players serving immaculately well. Given what was at stake for both players, there was no sign of nerves as they pummelled the ball with authority exchanging comfortable holds of serve.
Throughout the set it was always Rybakina’s serve who was under threat and despite saving break point in the fifth game, Sabalenka eventually took her chances as she broke on her fourth break point to seal the break advantage at 4-3. Now all Sabalenka needed to do was close this match out for her first Grand Slam singles title easy, right?
Wrong. The Belarusian’s jitters and nerves were ever present as Rybakina continued to apply the pressure with consistent and deep returning. Some big serves at important moments saw Sabalenka clinch a crucial hold at 5-3 before Rybakina put the pressure back on Sabalenka with a comfortable hold of serve.
Excruciating would be a nice way to describe Sabalenka’s chaotic attempt at closing this final out with two match points coming and going with a double fault or passive baseline play. The Kazakh even had break back point but the Belarusian shut it out with ease as she had confidence on every point except championship point.
After failing to convert a third championship point, Sabalenka wasn’t to be denied a fourth time in the tenth game of the final set. A serve that was in by the barest of margins followed by a loose Rybakina forehand a few shots later saw Sabalenka realise her dream as she fell to the floor in tears and claimed her first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open.
 |
|---|
Sabalenka ‘super happy’ after keeping control over emotions
Sabalenka has realised her dream after winning her first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open in a two and a half hour battle. Despite being nervous Sabalenka held her nerve when it matters most as she is now a Grand Slam singles champion.
Speaking after the match Sabalenka praised her team and spoke about her happiness over keeping control of her emotions.
“I’m super happy that I was able to handle all those emotions and win this one,” Sabalenka told the WTA website.
“I’m still shaking and super nervous. My team — the craziest team on tour, I would say. We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs the last year. We worked so hard. You guys deserve this trophy, it’s more about you than me.”
It was a super impressive performance from Sabalenka, who hit 17 aces and 51 winners as secured her place among the great champions of the sport. The Belarusian has received some tough losses in the past at big events with her mentality often questioned.
However Sabalenka believes those losses were preparation for today’s big moment and helped her win the biggest match of her life.
“I think it’s even more enjoyable, I would say, after all those tough matches,” Sabalenka explained.
“I really feel right now that I really needed those tough losses to kind of understand myself a little bit better. It was like a preparation. I actually feel happy that I lost those matches, so right now I can be a different player and just different Aryna.”
Confidence grows for Rybakina ahead of top ten debut
It wasn’t to be for Rybakina as she fell just short of her second Grand Slam title in the space of six months. The Kazakh can be proud of her tournament though as she produced some big wins to reach her second Grand Slam final.
Speaking after the match Rybakina admitted that Sabalenka raised her game when she needed to and has no regrets.
“I think Aryna raised her level in the second set,” Rybakina said to the WTA website.
“She played really well, aggressive, a bit less mistakes. I should have been also more aggressive in some moments. I had some chances, for sure, to turn it around. But she played really well today. She was strong mentally, physically.”
Despite the defeat Rybakina will make her top ten debut and will continue to provide a sustained threat at the top of the women’s game. Rybakina explained that reaching the top ten won’t change anything and her run in Melbourne will give her more confidence to go deep at the Grand Slams.
“I don’t think I’m going to feel different just because of the ranking,” Rybakina said.
“But for sure it’s going to be different at the smaller tournaments, I would say. I’m going to be seeded. Maybe in some tournaments I’m not going to play first round. So of course there is some benefits out of this.
“I’m trying to not think about expectations and everything. Still after a great pre-season like this I was thinking I should show it on the court. Then, of course, the results are going to be there.
“I think in the end it’s just confidence to go forward, to keep on working. I feel now good physically also. I know if I’m going to keep on working, the results are going to be there. That’s the goal, to be in the second week of all the Grand Slam, to play finals.”
How to Watch/Follow Australian Open 2023
| Live Stream | Discovery+ Add-on via Amazon Prime Sign up for 30 day free trial of Prime Video and a 7 day free trial of Discovery+ Player |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |