Australian Open: Rybakina wins maiden title, China's Zhang tastes women's doubles success

MELBOURNE -- World number five Elena Rybakina powered past top seed Aryna Sabalenka to win a nerve-jangling Australian Open women's singles final on Saturday, while China's Zhang Shuai won her third Grand Slam women's doubles title on the penultimate day of the tournament.

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.

The 2022 Wimbledon champion upset favored Sabalenka with formidable firepower, strong serving and resilience after having been down 0-3 in the deciding set.

It was sweet revenge after Rybakina had been left heartbroken in the 2023 final when Sabalenka came from behind in a three-set classic.

"It was a battle and your support (the crowd) kept me going," said the 26-year-old Rybakina. "I always enjoy coming here. Hopefully we can keep going strong this year."

It was a bitter disappointment for Sabalenka, who was contesting her fourth straight final at the Australian Open, but she has now lost two in a row having been stunned 12 months ago by Madison Keys.

Before this match, Sabalenka had won 26 of her last 27 matches at Melbourne Park.

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

"I love being here. Let's hope that next [Australian Open] is going to be a better year for me," said Sabalenka, who remains anchored on four Grand Slam titles.

In a match with wicked shifts of momentum, Sabalenka finished with 35 winners to 28 and just one more unforced error but only converted two of eight break points.

The much-anticipated final lived up to top billing with Sabalenka and Rybakina entering having not dropped a set en route to the final.

Rybakina settled better to clinch a 37-minute first set marked by brute force, but she also showcased a deft touch to flummox Sabalenka.

Much like their classic from three years ago, Sabalenka mounted a comeback and her outstanding athleticism helped shift the momentum.

Sabalenka was on the brink of the title at 3-0 in the deciding set before Rybakina dug deep to flip the match on its head.

Rybakina, fittingly, sealed her triumph with an ace to end her four-year title drought at majors.