Elena Rybakina’s ‘muted’ celebration after winning her first Australian Open title has left tennis viewers stunned with the humble Kazakh star defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final. Rybakina was staring down the barrel of another defeat to Sabalenka after losing to the World No.1 in the 2023 in the Australian Open final.
The 26-year-old was 3-0 down in the third set, before she started playing with a bit more freedom. And the Kazakh star won five straight games before winning the match 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena.
Elena Rybakina’s (pictured far left) reserved celebration after defeating Aryna Sabalenka (pictured middle) and winning her first Australian Open title has captivated tennis fans. (Images: Getty Images)
This was Rybakina’s second grand slam title after winning Wimbledon. However, many fans wouldn’t be out of order to suggest it didn’t look like Rybakina had just won the Australian Open and her second grand slam.
After serving a trademark ace to win the match, Rybakina turned to her team and smiled. She then went over to the net to approach Sabalenka and embrace. Rybakina’s ‘muted’ celebration was even quiet for her standards.
But it has endeared her to the tennis community. Fans couldn’t get enough of Rybakina’s celebration after match point with a little fist pump and smile enough to know she had won the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup. Fans have grown accustomed to players falling to the floor and letting go of their racquet in celebration. Some described it as ‘ice cold’, but Rabakina’s subtle nod to her team won over the tennis world.
Elena Rybakina to rise to World No.3
Sabalenka may have headed into the final as the favourite, but many were looking at Rybakina’s form as the telling stat. She has now won 20 of her past 21 matches. This includes 10 straight victories over top 10 players.
She defeated Iga Swiatek and Sabalenka on her way to winning the title. “So I just hope that I can carry all this form and hopefully the team and I continue this way with throughout the year,” she said.
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina drinks champagne at the start of her press conference after defeating Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s singles final on Day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 31, 2026. (Photo by IZHAR KHAN / AFP via Getty Images) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —
(IZHAR KHAN via Getty Images)Aryna Sabalenka devastated after loss
Unfortunately for Sabalenka it is her second straight loss in the Australian Open final. Sabalenka lost to Maddison Keys last year, before going down to Rybakina in three sets on Saturday.
“I was really upset with myself, I would say, because once again I had opportunities,” Sabalenka said. “I played great until certain point, and then I couldn’t resist that aggression that she had on court today.
“I was just really upset with myself, but I think overall I played great tennis here in Australia. Even in this final I feel like I played great. I was fighting. I did my best, and today she was a better player.”
Aryna Sabalenka (pictured) remained humble after her second straight defeat in the Australian Open final.
(Robert Prange via Getty Images)