AO 2026 Final Sabalenka v Rybakina

[britbox]

Who wins?

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

This match features 2 of the biggest servers and aggressive baseliners in the women's game at present. They have met 6 times at WTA1000 events, 3 times at the WTA Finals, this will mark their 3rd meeting at a GS.

Sabalenka leads their H2H 8-6 though Elena defeated in their most recent meeting at the WTA Finals in 2025 in straight sets 63 76 (0)

Sabalenka has advanced to her 8th GS final overall and hasn't dropped a set en route to the final, just like she did in 2023 and 2024 when she won the AO title.

In similar fashion Elena hasnt dropped a set en route to the final, her closet match was in the SF against Pegula, saved 3MPs and created 2 SPs in the 2nd set TB, but Elena rallied to close out the match in straight sets.

Regardless of win or loss, Sabalenka will remain the No 1 in the WTA rankings..
Rybakina, win or lose, will slide into No 3 for the first time since January 2024.

Will Sabalenka win her 3rd AO title, or will Rybakina avenge her 2023 AO final loss against Sabalenka.

Both ladies deserve to be in the final,
Good luck ladies! and lets see which player goes on to win the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup!
Weather in Melbourne day time temp 26c, medium chance of showers, chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon or evening
This match will be at night on RLA at 7,30pm local time, of course the night time temp will drop.

I will be live tonight for the womens final ( I must remember to have my phone fully charged

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Tom Sweeney from Australia will be the Chair Umpire of the Women's Singles Final

2 time AO Champion Jennifer Capriati will present the Daphne Akkurst Memorial Cup to the Women's Champion, marking the 25th anniversary of her 2001 title.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I am heading down now to RLA to watch the women's final, there has been light showers and the roof is closed, which I feel could could favor Rybakina if it is remained closed.
Talk later! ( yes I remembered to charge my phone )

 

[britbox]

I think Sabalenka wins but I'm rooting for Rybakina

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I think Sabalenka wins but I'm rooting for Rybakina

It has become very windy not great for tennis
I nearly got blown away lol

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Okay wind blown I seated opposite the umpire 7 rows from the front
Great seats again
I will have to thank Max from AO travel

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I am seated near a nun I will have to try not to swear lol

 

[britbox]

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[britbox]

Power v Power in today's final.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Jennifer Capriati on stage putting the women's trophy in the special cabinet
Gee Gen hasn't changed a lot from her playing days

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

The roof will remained closed

 

[britbox]

Any reason why they're keeping the roof closed?

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Martina and Angie Kerber in the house

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Any reason why they're keeping the roof closed?

There are still showers

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Saba won the toss and elected to serve

 

[britbox]

I think Kerber was playing Legends Doubles with Safin.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Geez Elena has her eye on in the returns

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I think Kerber was playing Legends Doubles with Safin.

Yes

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Saba broken