NEW DELHI: In a stunning display of skill and determination, World No. 5 Elena Rybakina secured a memorable victory over top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final, capturing not only the prestigious trophy but also a substantial financial reward. The Kazakh tennis star's hard-fought 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena marked her second Grand Slam title, achieved through a combination of powerful serves and unwavering mental fortitude.
Record-Breaking Prize Money at 2026 Australian Open
The 2026 edition of the Australian Open witnessed a significant increase in prize money across all rounds, reflecting the growing financial stature of professional tennis. Both the men's and women's singles champions received an impressive $4.15 million, which translates to approximately Rs 37.77 crore. By lifting the title, Rybakina earned one of the highest payouts of her career, a testament to her exceptional performance throughout the tournament.
Despite finishing as runner-up, Aryna Sabalenka also walked away with a substantial amount, receiving $2.15 million (approximately Rs 19.56 crore) for her efforts. Such prize money plays a crucial role in helping professional tennis players manage their extensive travel costs, coaching teams, fitness trainers, and other essential expenses throughout the competitive season.
Rybakina's Path to Glory: A Tournament Recap
Elena Rybakina's journey to her first Australian Open title was marked by consistent performances against formidable opponents:
- First Round: Defeated Kaja Juvan (SLO) 6-4, 6-3
- Second Round: Overcame Varvara Gracheva (FRA) 7-5, 6-2
- Third Round: Beat Tereza Valentova (CZE) 6-2, 6-3
- Fourth Round: Triumphed over Elise Mertens (BEL x21) 6-1, 6-3
- Quarterfinal: Secured victory against Iga Swiatek (POL x2) 7-5, 6-1
- Semifinal: Defeated Jessica Pegula (USA x6) 6-3, 7-6 (9/7)
- Final: Conquered Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x1) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4
A Sweet Revenge for Rybakina
This victory held special significance for Rybakina, as it served as redemption for her defeat to Sabalenka in the 2023 Australian Open final. Demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure, Rybakina maintained her focus throughout the intense three-set match, delivering powerful serves and consistent groundstrokes at critical moments. She sealed her triumph with a confident ace, showcasing the mental strength that has become a hallmark of her game.
The match represented more than just another tournament win; it was a statement of resilience and growth for Rybakina, who has steadily climbed the ranks of women's tennis through disciplined training and strategic play. Her ability to avenge a previous loss against the world's top-ranked player underscores her competitive spirit and determination to excel at the highest level of the sport.
As the tennis world celebrates Rybakina's achievement, attention now turns to how this victory will impact her career trajectory and ranking. With substantial prize money supporting her professional endeavors and the confidence gained from defeating a formidable rival, Rybakina's future in Grand Slam tournaments appears promising and filled with potential for further success.
