MELBOURNE — The Australian Open 2026 women’s singles final has reached its pinnacle as World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka battles Elena Rybakina in a high-stakes rematch at the Rod Laver Arena. This anticipated clash on 31 January 2026 marks one of the most exciting showdowns of the tennis season so far — a rematch of their epic 2023 final and a story of power, precision and determination that has captivated fans around the world.
Epic Showdown at Rod Laver Arena
The Women’s Final for the 2026 Australian Open is happening now (January 31st) at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne and the atmosphere is electric! Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) – the No. 1 player in the world – is going up against 3rd seed Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan), and the match feels like fate. Both players have blasted their way through to the finals, having won all of their matches thus far without losing a single set, which marks the first all-Grand Slam Final since Serena and Venus in 2008.
Fans across the globe are glued to their devices as these two incredible athletes exhibit powerful serving and phenomenal groundstrokes under the glow of the floodlights; this is not merely a contest, but rather it is the battle of Fire and Ice (with Sabalenka being the Fire and Rybakina being the Ice!). After checking in at about 8:00 PM local time, Rybakina took the first set, winning 6-4, and putting the World No. 1 under early pressure.
This latest fight is a rematch from the pair’s 2023 match when Sabalenka defeated Rybakina for her first Australian Open title. However, Rybakina has had the most success of the two over the last four encounters, winning 3 of the last matches played, including the 2025 WTA finals. With both women vying for Grand Slam titles, the score is too close to predict so every point is critical!
Path to the Australian Open 2026 Final
Aryna Sabalenka marched into her fourth straight AO final like a force of nature. In the semis on January 29, she crushed Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3, landing 71% of her first serves and barely blinking under pressure. This puts her in elite company, matching Martina Hingis for most consecutive women's finals here.
Elena Rybakina, seeded fifth, clawed her way back from the brink against Jessica Pegula in the other semi. She saved two set points in a thrilling second-set tiebreak to win 6-4, 7-6(7), showing why her serve is a weapon with 41 aces already this tournament—the most of anyone.
Neither has lost a set all fortnight, a rare feat last seen at AO in 2004 with Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters. Sabalenka's aggressive baseline bombs contrast Rybakina's flat, precise strikes, promising short, sharp rallies that end in under 30 seconds sometimes.
Sabalenka vs Rybakina Live Score & Match Flow
Current Status (Live, 31 Jan)
- Rybakina leads early in the first set, putting early pressure on Sabalenka with deep returns and powerful serves.
- As of the latest live score, Rybakina is ahead 5-3 in the first set, showcasing a strong start against the world No. 1.
- Rybakina’s early break in the opening games tested Sabalenka’s rhythm, but the world No. 1 remains composed and fighting back.
This tennis final has lived up to expectations — intense rallies, booming serves, and a battle for every point. Fans watching live in India had the match start at 14:00 IST, broadcast across platforms including Sony LIV and Sony Sports Ten networks.
- 19:48 Local Time: Match starts with Rybakina holding serve easily, her big first delivery setting the tone. Sabalenka fires back but nets a forehand early.
- 20:06: Rybakina up 4-2 in first set after breaking Sabalenka at love. The Belarusian's usual roar draws huge cheers from the crowd.
- 20:15: First set to Rybakina 6-4! She breaks again as Sabalenka's backhand clips the line judge—wait, no, out! Sabalenka smashes her racket in frustration.
- Latest at 20:30: Second set underway, Sabalenka leads 1-0* after a quick hold. She's dialed in now, grunting louder with each winner. Rybakina stays stone-faced.
Head-to-Head: Sabalenka vs Rybakina Stats
These two have tangled 14 times, with Sabalenka leading 8-6 overall. But flip to finals, and Rybakina edges it 3-2, proving she thrives in do-or-die moments
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Player Stats Deep Dive: Serve, Return, Rally Wins
Sabalenka: 85% first-serve points won in tournament; 45 winners per match avg. Rybakina: 92% hold rate; 30% break points converted.
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RYBAKINA ON A ROLL!
— India Today Sports (@ITGDsports) January 31, 2026
From being 0-3 down in the third set, Elena Rybakina has made it 4-3, putting Aryna Sabalenka under immense pressure
Rybakina leads Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 4-3 #elenarybakina #ArynaSabalenka #AustralianOpen2026 https://t.co/vV9FxJqAN0
Final Take
This Sabalenka vs Rybakina Australian Open 2026 final is more than just a match — it’s a defining moment in modern women’s tennis. As of 31 January 2026, Rybakina leads early but Sabalenka is poised for a comeback. This is the kind of drama that defines Grand Slam history and keeps fans glued to every point.
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