2026 Australian Open Final: Sabalenka (1) v. Rybakina (5)

[Hitman]

Point of the match!!!

 

[ibbi]

In set 2, Sabalenka has put 16 of 19 first serve returns back in play, and has nothing to show for it. Crazy good stuff from Lena. Hold your nerve, girl.

 

[ForehandCross]

WHAT A POINT. THAT MIGHT HAVE SAVED THE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR HER.

 

[James P]

Wonder if this goes to a tiebreaker. Rybakina going against that streak

 

[MilosRaonicFan]

Classic. Win an awesome point and then give it right back

 

[Jezza94]

Point of the match.

 

[spystud]

People will start 17 threads because Aryna cussed again.

 

[Hitman]

What a return!!!

 

[spystud]

Easy hold.

 

[veelium]

Wonder if this goes to a tiebreaker. Rybakina going against that streak

Would be a fitting end to the streak.

 

[MilosRaonicFan]

And on we go...
16 straight holds of serve. Who will let up?

 

[roysid]

People will start 17 threads because Aryna cussed again.

Nope. There is no Ukranian angle here.

 

[spystud]

Wrong.

 

[ibbi]

She suckered that girl in with the moonball and got her reward. Lovely.

 

[Hitman]

Incredible serving....4 all

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

Now an anticlimatic break for a 6-4 6-4 result?

 

[ibbi]

No sign of finish line tightness yet. KEEP IT UP!

 

[Aussie Darcy]

This is where it gets dangerous and can run away from Sabs.

If Rybakina breaks she serves for the title

 

[ForehandCross]

Rybakina is as locked in as I have ever seen a player be on their serve last few games
.

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Now an anticlimatic break for a 6-4 6-4 result?

Exactly my thoughts. Just like the Keys final. Blink and it was over.

 

[Martin J]

Who said that the pros are immune to moonballs..

Rybakina continues to serve incredibly well.

 

[ibbi]

First serves are a must for Sabalenka right now. Ryba is all over her second.

 

[Hitman]

One of the few times where Aryna powers through Elena today

 

[ForehandCross]

SABALENKA.

Both are so damn clutch this set.

 

[MilosRaonicFan]

What is the record for most consecutive holds in a ladies match I wonder. Up to 18 and counting.

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

Exactly my thoughts. Just like the Keys final. Blink and it was over.

Not for now…

 

[Larry Duff]

She's starting to shake.

 

[MilosRaonicFan]

Gave that one away. This could be precarious

 

[Hitman]

0-30

 

[Aussie Darcy]

That was in late 2024 after us open. In us open only complaints against her coach were registered and tension started.
From Jan 2025 he was banned for 12 months later reduced to 6 months.
Rybakina defended her coach publicly, was in contact with him throughout and immediately brought him in team after suspension.
And her game improved so that she won wta finals in Riyadh. She also refused to click pic with wta president there.
She has clearly made her choice and in her space she is happy. Results are also coming.

Wrong. Withdrew in Dubai 2024, that was February.

Withdrew Indian Wells 2024 in March.

Withdrew Rome 2024 in May.

Withdrew from the Olympics 2024. In July.

Don’t pretend, don’t play dumb. We know what Vukov did. Her family know it. The tour know it.

 

[ibbi]

That dump in the net felt pivotal.

 

[spystud]

Yep, Aryna’s winning in 3.

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Triple set points Sabalenka!!!!

Let’s GOOOOO

 

[Hitman]

3 SP

 

[spystud]

Big time.

 

[ibbi]

My poor baby.

 

[Aussie Darcy]

We’re going 3.

What a time to get your first break of the match.

 

[Jezza94]

Going to 3.

 

[Hitman]

Well, she keeps her streak alive.

Sabalenka has not lost a grand slam match in straight sets since USO 2020.

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

Saba pulled an uno reverse

 

[MilosRaonicFan]

Going to a decider. Fitting given how evenly matched they have looked

 

[veelium]

Damn, what a return game.

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Talk about a clean match.

Sabalenka with 22 winners and 17 unforced errors.
Rybakina with 19 winners and 17 unforced errors.

 

[veelium]

First WTA match this AO that delivers.
High quality from both.

 

[ibbi]

Rybakina no look at a break point since the first game of the match. Tough.

 

[spystud]

This may very well be 6-2 Aryna.

 

[ForehandCross]

I have to rush for an errand but here's hoping Rybakina wins this

 

[AgassiSuperSlam11]

Just tuned in before the end of the 2nd set and both have left the court. Hearing Chris Evert's voice despite her Cancer recurrence is almost miraculous.

 

[RSJfan]

Is that Max Mirnyi is Sabs box.

 

[roysid]

Wrong. Withdrew in Dubai 2024, that was February.

Withdrew Indian Wells 2024 in March.

Withdrew Rome 2024 in May.

Withdrew from the Olympics 2024. In July.

Don’t pretend, don’t play dumb. We know what Vukov did. Her family know it. The tour know it.

You get too personal everytime this topic comes. 'dumb' isn't nice. As for tournament withdrawals , she opted out of Korea mysteriously. For others, I am not sure.

You don't have any power or influence over Rybakina. WTA had and did something.
What happened?
Rybakina defended vukov and brought him back. Wta ceo was snubbed too.
We forget one thing. The girl is adult. She has made her choice. For once , respect her choice. Her consent is also important right.

And then results. She is playing in top form. She won WTA finals. She is in AO finals. No longer the mental torment she is going through.

As much hard it is too accept for you, she is doing good herself.

It's not like Jelena Dokic, Mirjana case where the girl escaped desperately.