Red-hot Rybakina resists Sabalenka to reign at Australian Open

MELBOURNE, Jan 31 : Elena Rybakina delivered a thunderous display to dismantle firm favourite Aryna Sabalenka and win a maiden Australian Open title on Saturday, turning the tables on the world number one in their Melbourne Park final rematch from three years ago.

Rybakina returned to the site of her 2023 defeat to complete an impressive 6‑4 4‑6 6-4 win and capture her second major trophy after Wimbledon 2022, underlining her credentials as the player best equipped to further puncture Sabalenka's hardcourt aura.

The Moscow-born Kazakh capped a fortnight of relentless efficiency, largely flying under the radar and adding the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup to a sparkling resume which also includes the WTA Finals crown she won by stunning Sabalenka last year.

"It's an incredible achievement," said the 26-year-old, who will rise to number three in the world rankings on Monday behind Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.

"I'm super happy and proud. It was a really tough battle. I didn't expect to turn it around. I got some opportunities.

"Aryna is a very tough opponent but I'm super happy that this time I'm holding the trophy."

ALL GUNS BLAZING

In the first Grand Slam final since 2008 featuring players yet to drop a set, it was top seed Sabalenka who blinked first under the Rod Laver Arena roof as Rybakina came out all guns blazing to break in the opening game and take control.

The fifth seed's booming ball-striking caused all sorts of problems for twice champion Sabalenka, as Rybakina comfortably got to set point in the 10th game and finished it in style to send alarm bells ringing in her opponent's dugout.

Arriving with 46 hardcourt Grand Slam match victories from the last 48, four-times major winner Sabalenka found her groove and began the