Aryna Sabalenka Storms Into Australian Open Final — Ready to Crush for Her Third Melbourne Crown

Aryna Sabalenka reaches Australian Open final, targets third Melbourne title

Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, world No. 1, secured her spot in the 2026 Australian Open final on Thursday after defeating Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3. The champion declared she is ready to fight with everything in pursuit of her third Melbourne crown.

Sabalenka will compete in her fourth consecutive final in Australia, a tournament she says brings out the best in her tennis. “I love this place, this stadium, and Melbourne. I enjoy every time I compete here,” she said during a press conference.

Her opponent will be Kazakh Elena Rybakina, world No. 5, who survived a tight semifinal against American Jessica Pegula.

The WTA world No. 1 highlighted that she has learned from previous finals losses: “Now I’m ready to accept whatever comes and fight in every moment. When I have that mindset, I play my best tennis.”

Regarding the controversial warning for alleged interference during her match, Sabalenka admitted it motivated her: “It annoyed me, but it made me more aggressive. If it happens again, let it: it benefits me,” she joked.

About facing Rybakina in the final, Sabalenka acknowledged her rival’s powerful shots and strong return, and fondly recalled her first Melbourne title in 2023. “I’m not thinking about defining an era. I’m just focused on doing my job, point by point,” she concluded.