NEW AUSSIE SLAM CHAMPIONS! And it means locals go BACK-TO-BACK winning the Australian Open men's doubles for the first time in 40 YEARS! MORE:
Aryna Sabalenka has broken through for the slam crown the tennis world has been waiting for, coming back to beat Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final, 4-6 6-3 6-4.
Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. New to Kayo?Sabalenka will become the world No.2 when the next WTA rankings are released, while Rybakina - who was seeded 22nd at this event, but would've been in the top 10 if ranking points were awarded for Wimbledon - will become the world No.10.
Sabalenka again had to defend hers from 15-30 trailing 2-4, but won three consecutive points to remain in the set - and then took advantage of several Rybakina errors for a 0-40 lead, converting the break when her opponent misguidedly came to the net. While Rybakina managed to save three break points in the ensuing game, the game was on Sabalenka's racquet - at the point at which she held for 5-2, she had fired down 30 winners to Rybakina's 13.
Rybakina's serve had somewhat abandoned her as the third set got going, first serves finding their way in just 56 per cent of the time to Sabalenka's 68. Trying to consolidate, Sabalenka got a bit antsy going for a winner at 40-15, Rybakina then able to force a deuce - but the Belarusian held her nerve and an ace gave her 5-3.
Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler are slam champions after taking down Hugo Nys and Jan Zielinski 6-4 7-6 in the early hours of Sunday morning at Melbourne Park.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Elena Rybakina v Aryna Sabalenka: Australian Open women’s singles final – liveElena Rybakina faces Aryna Sabalenka in what promises to be a power-packed women’s singles final. Join John Brewin
Read more »
Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka swats aside Linette to reach first slam finalAryna Sabalenka reached her first grand-slam final with an impressive 7-6 (1), 6-2 victory over Magda Linette
Read more »
Full metal final: Sabalenka takes on Rybakina in Australian Open epicThe two best players in Melbourne meet in the final as Sabalenka aims to continue her incredible run to clinch a first grand slam
Read more »
All you need to know about Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open finalIt's time to find out who will follow Ash Barty as women's singles champion at the Australian Open. We answer all your questions about tonight's decider between Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka at Melbourne Park.
Read more »
Sabalenka breaks through for major glory with Australian Open victoryDespite blowing three championship points, Aryna Sabalenka relies on her power game to defeat Elena Rybakina in three tense sets and claim her first major title at Melbourne Park.
Read more »
An Aryna spectacular: Sabalenka stuns from a set down to win the Australian OpenThe new-and-improved Aryna Sabalenka is complete. Once derided as a perennial grand slam underachiever, the Belarusian bludgeoner is now a major champion, recovering from a set down to defeat Elena Rybakina in an Australian Open final packed with brute ...
Read more »