Rybakina powers past Sabalenka to win her first Australian Open title

MELBOURNE, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- World No. 5 Elena Rybakina outdueled top seed Aryna Sabalenka with astonishing power hitting to win her first Australian Open title in an engrossing three-set final on Saturday.

Under the closed roof at Rod Laver Arena, Kazakhstan's Rybakina overcame Belarussian Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in two hours and 18 minutes.

Rybakina sealed her second Grand Slam title with an ace and celebrated in low-key fashion with a fist pump.

She upset the favored Sabalenka with formidable firepower, strong serving and resilience after having been 0-3 down in the deciding set.

The 2022 Wimbledon champion exacted revenge after she was left heartbroken in the 2023 final when Sabalenka came from behind in a three-set classic.

It was a bitter disappointment for Sabalenka, who had won 26 of her last 27 matches at Melbourne Park before this match.

The 27-year-old's only blemish in that four-year stretch was a shock three-set defeat to Madison Keys in last year's final, which ended her bid for a third straight Australian Open title.

Only Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Martina Hingis had previously reached at least four straight Australian Open finals in the professional era.

There was much anticipation over a mouthwatering final pitting players in prime form, with Sabalenka and Rybakina having not dropped a set en route to the final.

Fireworks were expected and Sabalenka landed the first blow with a muscular forehand winner to make an early statement.

But an unruffled Rybakina hit the lines with precision to break in the opening game before storming to a 4-2 lead.

It wasn't merely brute force for Rybakina, who showcased deft touch and unfurled several well-executed drop shots to leave Sabalenka rattled.

Rybakina had no problem closing out the first set in 37 minutes, but was wary after failing to take advantage of her lead three years ago.

Going to script, Sabalenka piled on the pressure in the second game and fashioned three break points but Rybakina stared down the threat to hold serve.

Forced into defense, Sabalenka showcased outstanding athleticism and prowled around the court to shift the momentum in the second set.

Sabalenka was in the zone and raced to a 3-0 lead in the deciding set as Rybakina's shoulders started to slump.

It was Rybakina's turn to dig deep and she unexpectedly flipped the match by winning five straight games.

To her credit, Sabalenka made Rybakina serve it out but the Kazakh held her nerve before sealing victory in style.  ■