The Australian Open 2026 women’s singles final will feature a blockbuster rematch of the 2023 championship match, as world number one Aryna Sabalenka prepares to face fifth seed Elena Rybakina. Both players secured their places in the final on Thursday, 29 January, without dropping a single set throughout the fortnight, a statistical feat not seen at a Grand Slam in 17 years. Sabalenka is aiming for her third Australian Open title in four years, while Rybakina seeks to avenge her previous final loss and claim her second career major. Why is Aryna Sabalenka Competing Without Country's Flag and Anthem at Australian Open 2026?

Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina Head-to-Head Record

Aryna Sabalenka holds a narrow 8–6 lead in her career head-to-head series against Elena Rybakina. While the Belarusian has traditionally held the upper hand in high-pressure matches, including a 2–0 record in Grand Slam meetings, Rybakina has gained significant ground recently.

The Kazakh star won their most recent encounter in November 2025, a dominant 6-3, 7-6(0) victory in the championship match of the WTA Finals. Notably, Rybakina also holds a slight 6–5 lead in matches played on outdoor hard courts, the exact surface they will face on Saturday at Rod Laver Arena. No Handshake, Hindrance Call Controversy Dominates Aryna Sabalenka's Australian Open 2026 Final Entry.

Tactical Match-up: Serving and Power

The final is widely expected to be a contest of "first-strike" tennis. Rybakina enters the match as the tournament's leading server, having fired 41 aces across six matches. Her ability to earn free points on her serve will be critical against Sabalenka’s return game, which has been the most aggressive in the draw.

Sabalenka, meanwhile, leads the field in total winners, striking 172 en route to the final. While Rybakina relies on a flatter, heavy ball that skids through the court, Sabalenka incorporates more topspin into her power game. This variation has allowed Sabalenka to win 13 consecutive major hard-court matches, a streak stretching back to the 2025 US Open.

Melbourne Pedigree and Form

Melbourne Park has become a second home for Sabalenka, who has now reached four consecutive Australian Open finals, a feat achieved only by tennis legends Martina Hingis and Evonne Goolagong Cawley. She enters the final with an 11–0 record for the 2026 season.

Rybakina, however, is arguably in the form of her life. She has won 19 of her last 20 matches and has secured nine consecutive victories against Top 10 opponents, including a straight-sets dismissal of world number two Iga Świątek in the quarter-finals. With both players performing at their peak, Saturday’s final is anticipated to be decided by the narrowest of margins, likely involving at least one tie-break, a category where Sabalenka currently holds an Open Era record of 20 consecutive major tie-breaks won.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 30, 2026 02:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).