Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka - LIVE: Australian Open women’s final result as Sabalenka wins thriller
Follow live reaction from the Australian Open women’s final where Aryna Sabalenka completed a dramatic comeback to win a first grand slam title
Aryna Sabalenka fought from a set down to defeat Elena Rybakina and win the Australian Open, her first grand slam title.
In a thrilling battle over two hours and 29 minutes, the 24-year-old from Belarus won 4-6 6-3 6-4 against the Wimbledon champion Rybakina, who was denied a second grand slam title.
In winning her first grand slam final, Sabalenka extended her winning run to 11 matches to start the season, but the fifth seed was forced to come from behind after losing her first set since that run began.
However Sabalenka, who started the year in red-hot form after fixing her serve and addressing her mental approach during the off-season, turned the match around with a powerful display of shot-making from the baseline.
Sabalenka won the match on her fourth Championship point was overwhelmed by emotion as she celebrated her first grand slam title.
Follow live reaction from the Australian Open women’s final, below:
Australian Open 2023: *Elena Rybakina 6-4 3-6 3-5 Aryna Sabalenka
Rybakina goes long on the forehand - which has been causing her problems ever since the first set - but is able to drag Sabalenka to deuce. However Sabalenka finds the big serves when required, sending an ace out wide to move a game away.
Australian Open 2023: Elena Rybakina 6-4 3-6 3-4 Aryna Sabalenka* - Sabalenka breaks!
Another break point chance for Sabalenka, after she powers the forehand winner crosscourt!
But Rybakina picks her spot with the second serve out wide, as Sabalenka swipes her racket in frustration.
Rybakina pushes long on the backhand, though, as Sabalenka shrieks.
Another chance: but Sabalenka goes long on the forehand return! And another forehand return error from Sabalenka!
Sabalenka instead powers the backhand winner down the line following the baseline exchange.
Rybakina nets on the backhand, another break point: Sabalenka’s return almost knocks Rybakina off her feet!
Sabalenka breaks and is two games away from the title!
Australian Open 2023: *Elena Rybakina 6-4 3-6 3-3 Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka fires two aces as she holds to 15. She is not allowing Rybakina much of a look on her serve now.
Australian Open 2023: Elena Rybakina 6-4 3-6 3-2 Aryna Sabalenka*
At 30-0, Rybakina makes her first double fault of the match, and Sabalenka jumps on it. She fires another brilliant backhand winner down the line to set up break point, but Rybakina lands the first serve and Sabalenka can’t keep the chipped return in play.
Sabalenka hangs in the game, powering forehands at Rybakina before finding the winner. But Rybakina stays cool to steer the backhand winner, and then gets out with her hold.
Australian Open 2023: *Elena Rybakina 6-4 3-6 2-2 Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka lets out a roar after digging out a couple of winners to rally from 0-15 down.
This is a proper final now, balancing on very fine margins.
Australian Open 2023: Elena Rybakina 6-4 3-6 2-1 Aryna Sabalenka*
Rybakina is able to put away a forehand winner after Sabalenka clipped the netcord, and then the Kazakh shows variety with the backhand slice.
Australian Open 2023: *Elena Rybakina 6-4 3-6 1-1 Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka is able to move Sabalenka around to get her opening hold to 15. It has been really impressive how Sabalenka has steadied on the serve, and it’s the Belarusian who is now asking the questions.
Australian Open 2023: Elena Rybakina 6-4 3-6 1-0 Aryna Sabalenka*
Rybakina gets the opening hold, and fairly comfortably. Improving her first-set percentage will be key if she is to overturn the momentum.
Australian Open 2023: *Elena Rybakina 6-4 3-6 Aryna Sabalenka - Sabalenka wins second set!
Rybakina misses a chance on the Sabalenka second serve but then the Belarusian leaves a ball short, which Rybakina puts away.
Sabalenka finds her first serve and gets a look at a third set point.
Ace from Sabalenka! On the second serve!
And we’re off to the decider!
Australian Open 2023: Elena Rybakina 6-4 3-5 Aryna Sabalenka*
Wow - Sabalenka launches herself at the Rybakina second serve, which has dropped like a stone, and the flying forehand winner brings up two set points!
Rybakina saves the first with an ace - and then Sabalenka is unable to do enough on the second serve.
Deuce - and what a point! Both players swing for the lines but Rybakina keeps her head to put away a cool pick-up volley.
And Rybakina survives again as Sabalenka goes long. She’s missed chances in two games in a row, but Sabalenka will serve for the second set next.
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