The calm but ruthless Kazakh star defeats the world’s top two players in Melbourne, signaling her intent to dominate women’s tennis.
SHARJAH — Elena Rybakina lived up to her “quiet assassin” moniker at the Australian Open, capturing her second Grand Slam title with a composed and powerful 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s final.
The Moscow-born Kazakh, seeded fifth, demonstrated why she has been the tour’s in-form player since mid-2025, overcoming a 0-3 deficit in the deciding set to clinch the Melbourne crown. The win marks her 20th victory in her last 21 matches and her second triumph over a reigning world No. 1 in three months, having also dispatched No. 2 Iga Świątek in straight sets in the quarter-finals.
“I have big goals,” a typically understated Rybakina said when asked about targeting the top ranking. “Of course time will show, but definitely we will keep on working.”
Her Melbourne triumph, coming more than three years after her 2022 Wimbledon breakthrough, underscores a career resurgence. After battling injuries, illness, and insomnia in recent seasons, the 26-year-old has found a relentless rhythm. She is now projected to return to her career-high ranking of world No. 3, positioned directly behind Sabalenka and Świątek.
Reflecting on her journey, Rybakina contrasted this victory with her stressful first major win at Wimbledon. “It was really stressful then,” she recalled. “I remember I was not sleeping well… This feels different.”
With an aggressive, big-serving game and a demeanor of unflappable calm, Rybakina has solidified her status as the most dangerous player on the WTA Tour. As she sets her sights on Wimbledon and the No. 1 ranking, the “quiet assassin” has made it clear that her quietest statements are now delivered with a trophy in hand.
