Elena Rybakina turned the tide in a rollercoaster Australian Open final against Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday, spurred by the simplest yet most effective advice from her coach: “More energy.”
Down 0-3 in the third set, Rybakina looked drained after a dominant start. She had broken Sabalenka early, but late in the second set her nerves showed, and Sabalenka surged ahead, reaching 3-0 in the decider. That’s when coach Stefano Vukov’s two words sparked a transformation. Rybakina held serve with an ace, broke back, and gradually wrested control from a stunned Sabalenka.
“I’m happy that being down, I was able to calm myself and just focus on each point,” Rybakina said of her third-set comeback.
The match was a high-powered duel, with both six-footers exchanging hard shots and rapid momentum swings. Sabalenka threatened to regain control at 2-3 and 3-3, but crucial errors—like a missed crosscourt forehand—allowed Rybakina to hold and ultimately dominate down the stretch. Serving for the title at 5-4, Rybakina sealed it with a service winner and an ace, claiming her second major title.
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Rybakina credited lessons from her 2020 Australian Open loss to Sabalenka. “I knew if I get a chance to lead, I needed to take risks and go for it. Don’t wait for mistakes,” she said.
Sabalenka, the two-time Australian Open champion and former No. 1, showed resilience despite the defeat. “Great tennis from her. Maybe not so smart for me, but she played incredible,” she said. The loss marks her sixth Slam final in seven majors—a testament to her consistency even when disappointment strikes.
Rybakina, now rising to No. 3 in the world, has thrived since reuniting with Vukov, posting a 30-6 record and winning titles including the Australian Open and WTA Finals. Her message is clear: keep the energy up, keep taking risks, and keep winning.
