AO 2026 Final Sabalenka v Rybakina

[britbox]

Press Conference:

Aryna Sabalenka L 4-6, 6-4, 4-6 Elena Rybakina



Leo AI Transcript Summary

Match Overview​

• Sabalenka acknowledged that Elena Rybakina played an incredible match and was the better player on the day.
• She stated she fought until the very last point and had opportunities but missed key moments.
• Despite the loss, she remained optimistic, saying, “Today you're a loser, tomorrow you're a winner,” and expressed hope for more wins this season.

Key Moments in the Match​

• Sabalenka led 3–0 in the third set but quickly lost momentum, falling to 3–4 and eventually losing the match.
• She reflected on the rapid shift in momentum, admitting she may have been too passive on her serve and could have applied more pressure.
• She recognised Rybakina’s aggressive play and ability to capitalise on her lack of focus, calling it a moment of mental breakdown.

Emotional State and Response​

• Sabalenka admitted to laughing and crying after the match, describing it as a “hysterical moment.”
• She expressed deep frustration with herself, particularly for not maintaining focus during a critical phase.
• She emphasised that she played well overall in Australia and felt she fought hard, even in defeat.

Reflection on Past Slams and Losses​

• Sabalenka acknowledged losing most of her Grand Slam finals but chooses to process each loss individually.
• She noted improvements in her mental game compared to previous years, stating she made better decisions and remained mentally resilient.
• Despite progress, she accepted that she still lost and is working toward consistency.

Rybakina’s Evolution​

• Sabalenka recognised that Rybakina has grown more confident and aggressive, playing without hesitation.
• She praised Rybakina’s improved level and acknowledged her well-deserved Slam victory.

Future Goals and Team Debrief​

• Sabalenka said she doesn’t want to think about tennis right now but remains committed to fighting, working hard, and striving for more titles.
• She mentioned avoiding her team temporarily, planning to debrief only when she feels ready—possibly in a week or a few days.

Composure and Focus​

• When asked about composure, Sabalenka equated it with focus and admitted she lost her composure in the crucial moments.
• She acknowledged Rybakina’s better handling of pressure in the third set, which contributed to the shift in the match.

 

[britbox]

Press Conference:

Elena Rybakina W 6-4 4-6 6-4 Aryna Sabalenka



Leo AI Transcript Summary

Emotions and Achievement

• Celebrated winning her second Grand Slam and first at the Australian Open.
• Described the victory as an "incredible achievement" and expressed pride and happiness.
• Acknowledged the tough battle and the fact that she didn’t expect to come back from a difficult position.
• Emphasised that she took her opportunities and was able to hold the trophy this time.

Reflection on the Match and Strategy

• Recognised Aryna Sabalenka as a tough opponent.
• Mentioned that she had to be aggressive and take risks, especially after losing the second set.
• Learned from her 2023 final loss to Sabalenka, where she didn’t raise her level in the third set.
• Focused on staying calm when down, not getting frustrated, and concentrating on each point.

Comparison to Previous Grand Slam Win

• Said the emotions were different from her Wimbledon win, which was her first major final.
• Noted that she was more composed and slept well this time, showing growth and experience.
• Highlighted that while the desire to win was the same, the mental approach was more balanced.

Personal and Team Celebration

• Expressed gratitude to her team and supporters.
• Plans to celebrate with her team and family, though time is limited as she leaves Melbourne the next night.
• Hopes to enjoy some time in Melbourne, including seeing the city.

Key Takeaways

• The win marks a return to top-level form and confidence after previous setbacks.
• Victory was hard-fought and a result of mental resilience and tactical adjustments.
• She is focused on maintaining her performance and continuing to improve throughout the season.

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

The run at the end of the year, as well as this Australian Open, proves that Rybakina is the most talented player in the world. Up until that October 2025 run, Rybakina was an underachiever. However, when Rybakina really wants something, she will not be denied. I'm glad that Rybakina has removed herself from the one-slam wonder list (and is actually rewarded the full 2000 points for her slam, remember her Wimbledon title was a no-points slam).

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

From being a consensus underachiever two months ago, Elena Rybakina has completely rewritten the story of her career, I was hoping she would not end up being ' a one GS wonder' because she is too good of a player quite frankly,
She is now a two time Slam champion, WTA Finals champion, probable Hall of Famer, and she has a real shot at world #1 in 2026!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Okay Players that disappointed me in the 1st GS of the 2026 season, I totally understand that in ways it is hard to find your form at the beginning of the year, regardless of playing a pre tournament before the AO, to get climatized and also the plexicushion surface.

I had Gauff and Anisimova as 2 of my players who I thought could go the distance,
Gauff had a very bad day at the office, these things happen to all top players, knowing Coco she will bounce back and work harder, she is one of the best athletes on the womens tour and always tried to improve and is a fighter and dosent give up.

Anisimova, whose game just suits the hard courts and after her 2025 season and the turnaround I was disappointed in the way she bowed out at the AO, lacked energy, in her straight loss to Pegula

Andreeva,
After her great tournament win at the Adelaide International, before the AO, her first title since IW 2025, I thought she could go further than she did, but to go out in straight sets to Svitolina, they way she did, it is back to the drawing board, for Andreeva, who is one of the most talented youngsters in womens game, she has a great coach in Conchita Martinez, who no doubt will steer her back on the correct path.

 

[kskate2]

I'm happy to see Elena get her flowers. I had picked her in 3 before the match, but didn't cast an official vote. Glad she came through, especially after falling behind in the decider. I just had a feeling she would win. Especially after running through everyone at the YEC. I still think she's on a mission to prove to the WTA they shouldn't have banned her coach. But whatever it takes to get her mojo back, I'm good.

As for Saba, she needs to regroup. She's 4-4 in major finals now.

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

Andreeva,
After her great tournament win at the Adelaide International, before the AO, her first title since IW 2025, I thought she could go further than she did, but to go out in straight sets to Svitolina, they way she did, it is back to the drawing board, for Andreeva, who is one of the most talented youngsters in womens game, she has a great coach in Conchita Martinez, who no doubt will steer her back on the correct path.

It seems like Andreeva has plateaued somewhat in the last year. It has allowed some of the other young ones, like Mboko and Jovic, to catch up.

The same thing happened to Coco around this age. I still think Andreeva will eventually find that next gear, like Coco did, at some point.

 

[kskate2]

It seems like Andreeva has plateaued somewhat in the last year. It has allowed some of the other young ones, like Mboko and Jovic, to catch up.

The same thing happened to Coco around this age. I still think Andreeva will eventually find that next gear, like Coco did, at some point.

Agreed. And it may take a new voice to get her there. As MM said, her attitude and effort has been streaky and dismal. She didn't push to get into the YEC last year. She comes down and wins Adelaide and then goes awol against Svito in a match where she had control.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

It seems like Andreeva has plateaued somewhat in the last year. It has allowed some of the other young ones, like Mboko and Jovic, to catch up.

The same thing happened to Coco around this age. I still think Andreeva will eventually find that next gear, like Coco did, at some point.

I feel the reason she has plateaued is that she has come of age to play full time in the WTA, and it takes awhile to adjust to the grit of traveling and competing, she is still young and has a good coach to get her back on track

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Big news coming out of the AO for next year by Craig Tiley and officials,
The women might be asked to play best of 5 sets from the QFs onward next season
I also said when we discussed woman playing the best of 5 in a GS, at TF, I suggested starting at the QF stage.
Tiley said,
"You cant replicate that SF day, that was amazing.Probably the biggest and best event ever"
"So its something we should put on the agenda and start talking to the players about it because there's some matches in those last rounds which would have been fascinating if they been 3 of out of 5 sets"
"I dont know whether the players would want to do it or not, but it is something we needs to consider on the womens side".

Source. 7news.com au/sport/tennis

 

[kskate2]

That will be a tough sell. Where are they supposed to get practice playing and conditioning for a 5 set match

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

That will be a tough sell. Where are they supposed to get practice playing and conditioning for a 5 set match

Good question about practice playing and conditioning for a 5 set match, Tiley will ask the players their thoughts apparently, personally I cant see it it happening in 2027, to me too short a time, I will be interested to hear the follow up.

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

I'd be shocked if the women's game ever went to Bo5. That would go against a lot of the moves the WTA has done in the last 30+ years to reduce player burnout.

However, if it were to happen, then all women's QFs would have to be played on Tuesday and all men's QFs on Wednesday. The women will not want to potentially play 10 sets in 2 days.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Jess Pegula on woman playing 5 sets,

" I dont want 5 sets, I would rather say Men play 3 - I'm not going to watch an entire 5 hour match, people cant stay focused that long with phones.
" I would lose interest".

 

[britbox]

Who's driving the 5 set chatter? It's not something fans are crying out for - at least from what I can see.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Who's driving the 5 set chatter? It's not something fans are crying out for - at least from what I can see.

Craig Tiley after the womans SFs at the AO, he plans to ask the women their thoughts, playing from the QFs at the AO next year? I cant see it happening next year, if at all, too short a notice, also players having to get practice and conditioning, for starters?

 

[britbox]

Craig Tiley after the womans SFs at the AO, he plans to ask the women their thoughts, playing from the QFs at the AO next year? I cant see it happening next year, if at all, too short a notice, also players having to get practice and conditioning, for starters?

I can't imagine the players choosing to extend to 5 sets... or the fans wanting it. Isn't Tiley heading off to the States anyway? Maybe he could try and bring it in at the US Open (Good luck with that).

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I can't imagine the players choosing to extend to 5 sets... or the fans wanting it. Isn't Tiley heading off to the States anyway? Maybe he could try and bring it in at the US Open (Good luck with that).

Well still no official word from Tiley about heading off to USA as yet, he is still being coy about it, saying ' all good things come to an end? whatever that means in Tiley's world?
When I read his thoughts about wanting to extend womens to 5 sets, starting from the QFs at the AO? maybe from the 2027 AO, I started to think maybe he is not going to the USTA after all.

 

[Jelenafan]

Who's driving the 5 set chatter? It's not something fans are crying out for - at least from what I can see.

It would be a scheduling nightmare.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

BTW
I am just going through all the photos I took ( my husband took actually) of the womens final and also the womens SFs at the AO and I will post them today.