Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz must recover from marathon efforts as they prepare for a blockbuster Australian Open final where history will be on the line.
While Djokovic, at 38, is one win away from the standalone record of 25 grand slam singles titles and Alcaraz, at 22, can become the youngest man of all time to complete the career grand slam, both must push themselves to the limit physically after one of the most dramatic semi-final days the tournament has seen on Friday.
After Alcaraz triumphed in five hours and 27 minutes to beat Alexander Zverev in the longest semi-final in the tournament’s history, Djokovic stunned defending champion Jannik Sinner in five sets late into the night. The 10-time champion did not report to the site on Saturday, and said he would not train before the final.
Earlier, Elena Rybakina stunned top seed and rival Aryna Sabalenka to win the Australian Open women’s final and her second grand slam title, overturning the world No 1 in a rollercoaster final set where she won six of the final seven games.
In doing so, she denied Sabalenka a third Australian Open title and handed the world No 1 another tough defeat in a major final. “I had my opportunities. It feels like I missed couple, but it's tennis,” Sabalenka said. “Today you're a loser. Tomorrow you're a winner.”
Follow live updates from the Australian Open finals weekend, below
As Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz eye history, the blueprint for both is clear
Novak Djokovic v Carlos Alcaraz start time and how to watch Australian Open final
Another brutal Australian Open defeat highlights Aryna Sabalenka’s contradiction
Elena Rybakina’s coach presented with trophy after Australian Open victory
Australian Open latest scores and updates
- Novak Djokovic prepares to face Carlos Alcaraz in historic Australian Open final
- Djokovic skips training ahead of bid for 25th grand slam singles title
- Elena Rybakina stuns Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 4-6 6-4 to win Australian Open
- Rybakina battles from behind in final set to win second grand slam title
- Sabalenka handed another tough defeat after leading final set 3-0
- Sabalenka: 'It's tennis: today you're loser, tomorrow you're winner'
How Novak Djokovic proved us all wrong in vintage Australian Open comeback
06:37 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic: “I never stopped believing in myself, you know. There’s a lot of people that doubt me. I see there is a lot of experts all of a sudden that wanted to retire me – or have retired me many times the last couple of years.
“I want to thank them all, because they gave me strength. They gave me motivation to prove them wrong, which I have tonight.
“For me, it’s not a surprise, to be honest. I know what I’m capable of. So, I’ve had many, many times in my career matches during a grand slam where it’s just one of those days where you’re not feeling your best.
“You try to find a way to win with everything that you possibly have, even though the quality of tennis is not even close to where you want it to be. So that was the case, you know? Again, I was lucky that obviously Lorenzo got hurt and retired that match.
“Two days later, obviously different opponent. I knew exactly what’s expected of me on the court, and I came out with the right, great clarity and strategy and gameplan and what needs to be executed.”
How Novak Djokovic proved us all wrong in vintage Australian Open comeback
Djokovic bids to become oldest man to win Australian Open
05:37 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter beating Jannik Sinner in the semi-final, Novak Djokovic tells the press: “For me, I think also obviously for Carlos because of his age and everything that he was able to achieve so far, history is on the line for both of us every time we play.
“The finals of grand slams, you know, there’s a lot at stake, but it’s no different from any other big match that I play. My preparation is as it should be, and I won against him last year here, you know, also in a gruelling match [in the quarter-finals].
“Let’s see how fresh are we both able to be. He also had a big match, but he has 15, 16 years on me. You know, biologically I think it’s going to be a bit easier for him to recover! But, yeah, I look forward to it.
“Look, I play tennis competitively mainly to be able to reach the finals of grand slams. Here I am, so I cannot complain about anything. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment that I’m experiencing tonight.
“I’ll think about finals later, but for me, this is a win that almost equals winning a grand slam.”
How Carlos Alcaraz made history with Australian Open fightback
04:37 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz’s recovery in the semi-finals made history, with the chance of another significant record to come as he chases a first Australian Open title. At 22, Alcaraz is the youngest man in the Open Era to reach the final at all four grand slam tournaments – ahead of Jim Courier, who achieved the feat in 1993.
Alcaraz also moves one win becoming the youngest man in history to complete the career grand slam - ahead of Don Budge, who achieved the feat in 1938. Rafael Nadal is the youngest player to complete the career grand slam in the Open era, and was 24 when he did so in 2010.
Jim Courier was courtside and interviewed Alcaraz after his latest epic, and pointed out the history he can create on Sunday. Thank you for putting so much pressure on me right now,” Alcaraz laughed. “Kidding, kidding!
“I'm just really, really happy to have the chance to play my first final here in Melbourne. It's something that I was pursuing a lot, chasing a lot, having the chance to fight for the title.
“Hopefully on Sunday it's gonna be a great atmosphere. I can't wait. Right now my head is about recovering as much as I can, just to try to be in a good shape, to put a show for you guys. See you on Sunday!”
Coming up: Novak Djokovic faces Carlos Alcaraz in Australian Open final
03:37 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have previously met in two grand slam finals, with Alcaraz beating him twice at Wimbledon. But Djokovic won an epic Olympics final in Paris 18 months ago, before beating Alcaraz in last year’s Australian Open quarter-finals. After ending Sinner’s dominant run, and breaking the Sinner-Alcaraz duopoly of finals, no one will be counting Djokovic out this time.
Novak Djokovic v Carlos Alcaraz start time and how to watch Australian Open final
Elena Rybakina’s coach presented with trophy after Australian Open victory
02:37 , Jamie BraidwoodElena Rybakina’s coach, Stefano Vukov, was presented with his own trophy after her Australian Open triumph, a year on from being banned from attending the event amid an investigation into his conduct.
Former Wimbledon winner Rybakina won her second grand slam title by defeating world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in three sets, three years on from her last appearance in a grand slam final when she lost to Sabalenka in Melbourne.
Elena Rybakina’s coach presented with trophy after Australian Open victory
Elena Rybakina sums up her Australian Open triumph
01:37 , Jamie Braidwood“Well, it's an incredible achievement. Super happy and proud. It was really tough battle. I didn't expect to turn it around. Got some opportunities.
“Aryna is a very tough opponent, but I'm super happy that this time I'm holding the trophy.
“I knew that today if I get a chance to lead that I will need to try some risky shots and just go for it. Not wait for any mistakes or even get to the long rallies.
“It's amazing to hold this trophy this time.”
Aryna Sabalenka: 'It's tennis: today you're loser, tomorrow you're winner'
00:37 , Jamie Braidwood“She played incredible match and tried my very best. I was fighting until the very last point.
“I had my opportunities. It feels like I missed couple, but it's tennis. Today you're loser. Tomorrow you're winner. Hopefully I'll be more of a winner this season than a loser. Hoping right now, and praying.
“Of course I have regrets. When you lead 3-Love and then it felt like in few seconds it was 3-4, and I was down with a break. So it was very fast.
“Great tennis from her. Maybe not so smart for me. But as I say, today I'm a loser, maybe tomorrow I'm a winner, maybe again a loser.”
What has Novak Djokovic said about Carlos Alcaraz?
23:37 , Jamie Braidwood“History is on the line for both of us every time we play. The finals of a grand slam, there's a lot at stake. But it's no different from any other big match that I play.
“My preparation is as it should be, and I won against him last year here, also in a gruelling match. Let's see. Let's see how fresh are we both able to be. He also had a big match, but he has 15, 16 years on me. I think it's going to be a bit easier for him to recover.
“I look forward to it. Look, I play tennis competitively mainly to be able to reach the finals of grand slams. Here I am, so I cannot complain about anything.
“I'm just trying to enjoy the moment that I'm experiencing tonight. I'll think about finals later, but for me, this is win that almost equals winning a grand slam.”
What happened in Novak Djokovic's semi-final?
22:37 , Jamie BraidwoodThen, a 38-year-old Novak Djokovic became the oldest Australian Open men’s finalist of all time after ending defending champion Jannik Sinner’s winning run in another five-set epic to set up a final with world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic will bid for the standalone record of 25 grand slam titles, and his first in 18 months, on Sunday after producing a vintage performance against the 24-year-old Sinner, who had won his last five matches against Djokovic and his last 19 in a row at this tournament.
In doing so, Djokovic battled from two sets to one down, denying Sinner a fourth consecutive grand slam final against his rival Alcaraz, and proving that he remains a contender for the biggest titles in a match where he began as the major underdog.
Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th grand slam title looked to be over as he trailed Lorenzo Musetti by two sets in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, but Djokovic admitted he was on his way home and “extremely lucky” to progress as the Italian retired with a right leg injury.
What happened in Carlos Alcaraz's semi-final?
21:37 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz proved why he is the five-set king of tennis as the world No 1 won defeated Alexander Zverev to keep his career grand slam bid alive in five hours and 27 minutes.
Alcaraz looked to be cruising into his first Australian Open final without dropping a set as he led third seed Zverev after two close sets, but as he neared the finish line at 4-4 in the third, the 22-year-old dramatically pulled up, stretching his right leg.
With his movement severely limited, Alcaraz was in serious danger as Zverev forced the fourth set on a tiebreak and then won another tiebreak to take it into the decider. Zverev then broke Alcaraz’s serve in the first game of the fifth.
But the Spaniard somehow managed to hang on, giving himself time to recover physically as the semi-final became the longest ever played at the Australian Open. As Zverev served for the match, Alcaraz broke back, winning the final four games in a row 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 7-5.
“It's one of the most demanding matches that I have ever played in my short career,” Alcaraz said. “I've been in this kind of matches before, so I knew what I had to do. I had to put my heart into the match.”
Carlos Alcaraz reveals how he kept five-set streak alive in Australian Open epic
Novak Djokovic v Carlos Alcaraz head-to-head
20:37 , Jamie BraidwoodThis will be the 10th tour-level match between Djokovic and Alcaraz and their sixth over best of five sets. Djokovic currently leads the head to head 5-4, but Alcaraz won their last meeting at the US Open semi-finals, winning in straight-sets.
Before then, Djokovic had won all three times they had met on a hard-court and Alcaraz’s previous two wins over Djokovic had come in the Wimbledon final, in 2023 and 2024. They have met at the Australian Open once before, with Djokovic winning in the quarter-finals last year.
Novak Djokovic v Carlos Alcaraz start time and how to watch Australian Open final
19:37 , Jamie BraidwoodWhen is Novak Djokovic v Carlos Alcaraz?
The men’s final at the Australian Open between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz will begin from 8:30am GMT (UK time).
Is the Australian Open on TV?
The tournament will be shown live on TNT Sports in the UK as well as online on Discovery+.
In the US, it will be shown live on ESPN and Tennis Channel.
Rafael Nadal picks favourite for Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open final
19:14 , Jamie BraidwoodRafael Nadal has picked his favourite for the Australian Open final as he prepares to witness history in the match between compatriot Carlos Alcaraz and long-time rival Novak Djokovic.
Nadal, the two-time Australian Open winner and 22-time grand slam champion, will be court-side at the Rod Laver Arena to witness history on Sunday, returning to the tournament for the first time since his retirement from the sport in 2024.
Nadal picks favourite for Alcaraz and Djokovic’s Australian Open final
As Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz eye history, the blueprint for both is clear
18:37 , Jamie BraidwoodSometimes, a sporting contest comes along that is so seismic, so loaded with narrative, that history is guaranteed either way.
On Sunday evening in Melbourne, one of Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz will claim a career-defining achievement. Djokovic, at 38, stands a win away from a 25th grand slam singles title that would given him the sole ownership of the all-time record, and make him the oldest grand slam champion in the Open era. Alcaraz, at 22, can become the youngest man in history to complete the career grand slam, should he win the Australian Open title that completes the set.
As Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz eye history, the blueprint for both is clear
Another brutal Australian Open defeat highlights Aryna Sabalenka’s contradiction
18:07 , Jamie BraidwoodAryna Sabalenka’s consistency in reaching grand slam finals is undeniable. Four in a row at the Australian Open and three in a row at the US Open, making it seven consecutive finals at the hard-court slams, is a generational achievement. Only two other players in the Open era, Steffi Graf and Martina Hingis, can match it.
But her mixed record once getting there is unavoidable. In her eight grand slam final appearances, Sabalenka has four defeats to her four wins. Since rising to No 1 in the world, this glaring vulnerability has also become more pronounced, losing three of her last four and now two in a row at the Australian Open following last year’s collapse against Madison Keys.
Another brutal Australian Open defeat highlights Aryna Sabalenka’s contradiction
Carlos Alcaraz responds to controversy over medical timeout after Australian Open epic
17:37 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz said he did not know if he was cramping or had suffered a more specific injury when a medical timeout was called during the third set of his Australian Open win over Alexander Zverev.
Alcaraz’s stunning five-set epic to reach his first Australian Open final did not come without controversy as the German fumed at the decision to allow his opponent a three-minute medical timeout at 5-4 in the third when he was struggling with his movement.
“He has cramp! He can't take a medical, he is cramping. What else should it be? This is absolute bull****! This is unbelievable,” Zverev said in German to supervisor Andreas Egli. Players are not allowed medical timeouts due to muscle cramping issues.
Carlos Alcaraz responds to controversy over medical timeout in five-set epic
How does Djokovic recover / prepare for Sunday’s final?
17:07 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic: “I don’t know. Let’s see. You know, it’s almost 3am... Yeah, let’s see.
“I cannot make any predictions right now. Definitely not going to train tomorrow, just going to use every hour I possibly can to recover.
“Hopefully get out on the finals day feeling somewhat refreshed.”
Djokovic’s four-word response reveals motivation behind epic run
16:37 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic seemingly hit back at his critics on Friday, with a subtle message in the aftermath of his Australian Open win against Sinner.
In the moments after his win against Sinner, Djokovic wrote on a camera lens on Rod Laver arena – a customary move for most players at most tournaments. However, while most players sign their names, Djokovic took the opportunity to send a message.
“Nesto ste rekli?” he wrote in Serbian, which translates to: “Did you say something?”
The message has been interpreted as a response to his Djokovic’s critics, whom he later addressed during a post-match press conference.
Novak Djokovic’s four-word response reveals motivation behind epic run in Australia
How Carlos Alcaraz made history with Australian Open fightback
16:07 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz’s recovery made history, with the chance of another significant record to come as he chases a first Australian Open title. At 22, Alcaraz is the youngest man in the Open Era to reach the final at all four grand slam tournaments – ahead of Jim Courier, who achieved the feat in 1993.
Alcaraz also moves one win becoming the youngest man in history to complete the career grand slam - ahead of Don Budge, who achieved the feat in 1938. Rafael Nadal is the youngest player to complete the career grand slam in the Open era, and was 24 when he did so in 2010.
Jim Courier was courtside and interviewed Alcaraz after his latest epic, and pointed out the history he can create on Sunday. Thank you for putting so much pressure on me right now,” Alcaraz laughed. “Kidding, kidding!
“I'm just really, really happy to have the chance to play my first final here in Melbourne. It's something that I was pursuing a lot, chasing a lot, having the chance to fight for the title.
“Hopefully on Sunday it's gonna be a great atmosphere. I can't wait. Right now my head is about recovering as much as I can, just to try to be in a good shape, to put a show for you guys. See you on Sunday!”
How Novak Djokovic proved us all wrong in vintage Australian Open comeback
15:37 , Jamie BraidwoodThe 38-year-old Djokovic stunned defending champion Jannik Sinner in an epic five-set stand to keep his dream of a 25th grand slam alive by returning to the Australian Open final.
How Novak Djokovic proved us all wrong in vintage Australian Open comeback
Britain’s Neal Skupski wins Australian Open men’s doubles with Christian Harrison
15:17 , Jamie BraidwoodNeal Skupski continued Britain's impressive recent record in men's doubles by winning the Australian Open title alongside American Christian Harrison.
The newly-formed pair, playing in just their second tournament together, defeated Australian wild card pair Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans 7-6 (4) 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena.
It is the third time in the last five grand slam tournaments that there has been at least one British winner, with Henry Patten lifting this trophy last year alongside Finn Harri Heliovaara before the home duo of Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool triumphed at Wimbledon.
Britain’s Neal Skupski wins Australian Open men’s doubles with Christian Harrison
Elena Rybakina to return to career-high No 3 ranking
14:57 , Jamie BraidwoodOn Monday, Elena Rybakina will return to the world’s top three for the first time since June 2023.
She swaps places with No 3 Coco Gauff, who drops to No 5. Aryna Sabalenka remains ahead of Iga Swiatek at No 1 and No 2.
Elena Rybakina's strong run to Australian Open title
14:37 , Jamie BraidwoodElena Rybakina is the first player to win the Australian Open title while beating three top-10 opponents since Naomi Osaka in 2019.
She defeated No 1 Aryna Sabalenka, No 2 Iga Swiatek and No 6 Jessica Pegula, continuing her winning streak against top-10 opponents to 10 matches.
First round - def. Juvan 6-4 6-3
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 31, 2026
Second round - def. Gracheva 7-5 6-2
Third round - def. Valentova 6-2 6-3
Fourth round - def. (21) Mertens 6-1 6-3
Quarterfinal - def. (2) Swiatek 7-5 6-1
Semifinal - def. (6) Pegula 6-3 7-6(7)
Final - def. (1) Sabalenka 6-4 4-6 6-4
A champion's… pic.twitter.com/RWPpDqS20j
Elena Rybakina’s coach presented with trophy after Australian Open victory
14:17 , Jamie BraidwoodElena Rybakina’s coach, Stefano Vukov, was presented with his own trophy after her Australian Open triumph, a year on from being banned from attending the event amid an investigation into his conduct.
Former Wimbledon winner Rybakina won her second grand slam title by defeating world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in three sets, three years on from her last appearance in a grand slam final when she lost to Sabalenka in Melbourne.
Last year, Vukoc was provisionally suspended by the WTA pending an investigation into a potential breach of its code of conduct. Due to the investigation, he was unable to be accredited for the Australian Open.
Elena Rybakina’s coach presented with trophy after Australian Open victory
Elena Rybakina: 'I always believed I could get back to this level'
13:59 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter Elena Rybakina’s previous appearance in the Australian Open final three years ago, frustrating spells of illness and injury followed.
But she says she always believed she could became a grand slam champion again, after her 2022 Wimbledon triumph.
“Of course, we all have ups and downs. I think everyone thought maybe I will never be again in the final or even get a trophy, but it's all about the work.
“I think we've been putting a lot of work in with the team, and they were also very supportive. In the moments when I was maybe not that positive, they would be helping out on the side.
“When you get some wins, big wins against top players, then you start to believe more, you get more confident. That was the kind of way.”
Elena Rybakina sums up her Australian Open triumph
13:39 , Jamie Braidwood“Well, it's an incredible achievement. Super happy and proud. It was really tough battle. I didn't expect to turn it around. Got some opportunities.
“Aryna is a very tough opponent, but I'm super happy that this time I'm holding the trophy.
“I knew that today if I get a chance to lead that I will need to try some risky shots and just go for it. Not wait for any mistakes or even get to the long rallies.
“It's amazing to hold this trophy this time.”
Another brutal Australian Open defeat highlights Aryna Sabalenka’s contradiction
13:19 , Jamie BraidwoodThe positive for Aryna Sabalenka is that she is getting better at losing. The negative for the sport’s dominant No 1 is obviously implied - and the defeats in grand slam finals aren’t getting any easier, either.
“It's tennis: today you are a loser, tomorrow you are a winner,” Sabalenka reasoned. As Elena Rybakina overturned Sabalenka’s third-set lead, battling from 3-0 down in the decider to win the next five games and serve for the Australian Open title, the Belarusian’s latest defeat in a grand slam final continued a pattern.
Another brutal Australian Open defeat highlights Aryna Sabalenka’s contradiction
Aryna Sabalenka: 'I was really upset with myself but she was the better player'
13:00 , Jamie Braidwood“Once again, I had opportunities. I played great until a certain point and then I couldn't resist that aggression that she had on court today.
“I was just really upset with myself, but I think overall I played great tennis here in Australia.
“Even in this final I feel like I played great. I was fighting. I did my best, and today she was a better player.”
Tomorrow: Novak Djokovic faces Carlos Alcaraz in Australian Open final
12:41 , Jamie BraidwoodOne way or another, history will be made in the Australian Open final on Sunday as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz meet with two career-defining achievements on the line.
After one of the most dramatic semi-final days the tournament has seen, Djokovic returned to his 11th Australian Open final by stunning the defending champion Jannik Sinner in five sets to move one win away from the standalone record of 25 grand slam singles titles. Djokovic, at 38, is also bidding to become the oldest Australian Open champion of all time.
At the other end of the scale, world No 1 Alcaraz can become the youngest man of all time to complete the career grand slam, at the age of 22, after reaching his first Australian Open final. The Spaniard triumphed in five hours and 27 minutes to beat Alexander Zverev in five sets on Friday, in the longest semi-final in the tournament’s history.
Novak Djokovic v Carlos Alcaraz start time and how to watch Australian Open final
Aryna Sabalenka 'moving towards the right direction' despite defeat
12:26 , Jamie BraidwoodAryna Sabalenka is asked about her record in grand slam finals, now that she has lost a third in four attempts, taking her overall record to 4-4.
It’s clearly a tough loss for Sabalenka to process, but she maintains that she handled the occasion much better than her defeats to Madison Keys and Coco Gauff last year.
“Overall it was much better than last year, the two finals I lost. Level-wise and the decisions I was making and the way that the mentality was throughout the whole match, I was still there, I was ready to fight, I knew that she was not going to give it easily to me.
“So I think overall I made huge improvement on that, and I still lost it. But it's okay. I feel like I'm moving towards the right direction.
“Ambitions are still the same. Keep fighting, keep working hard, keep putting myself out there, and try my best if I'll have another chance in the final. Just go out there and do my best.”
Aryna Sabalenka: 'It's tennis: today you're loser, tomorrow you're winner'
12:13 , Jamie Braidwood“She played incredible match and tried my very best. I was fighting until the very last point.
“I had my opportunities. It feels like I missed couple, but it's tennis. Today you're loser. Tomorrow you're winner. Hopefully I'll be more of a winner this season than a loser. Hoping right now, and praying.
“Of course I have regrets. When you lead 3-Love and then it felt like in few seconds it was 3-4, and I was down with a break. So it was very fast.
“Great tennis from her. Maybe not so smart for me. But as I say, today I'm a loser, maybe tomorrow I'm a winner, maybe again a loser.”
Championship point! How Elena Rybakina won Australian Open
12:10 , Jamie BraidwoodIce cool from Rybakina. The ace. The clenched fist. A hint of a smile, even! A grand slam champion again.
Watch out Wimbledon? Rybakina is back as a grand slam contender
11:58 , Jamie BraidwoodWith her first serve and big first-strike, Rybakina is going to be a massive contender at each of the major tournaments this season. Four years on from her breakthrough Wimbledon triumph, she might return to Centre Court as the big favourite.
Aryna Sabalenka suffers another tough defeat in a major final
11:46 , Jamie BraidwoodSince the start of last season, Sabalenka has a 5-6 record in finals.
That includes defeats to Madison Keys at the Australian Open, Coco Gauff at Roland Garros, Elena Rybakina at the WTA Finals, and Rybakina at the Australian Open.
The No 1 led 3-0 in the final set, only for Rybakina to win five games in a row and six of the last seven in total, to hand Sabalenka another tough defeat.
Sabalenka’s consistency is undisputed - with seven grand slam finals in a row at the hard-courts. But her frustration in finals continues.
A match-up problem for Aryna Sabalenka?
11:36 , Jamie BraidwoodWe will have to wait and hear from Sabalenka to understand how much of a difference the closed roof on Rod Laver Arena made, with the indoor conditions favouring Rybakina’s flat serving.
Sabalenka has now lost seven of her last 11 matches against Rybakina, though, after defeats in the Australian Open final and at the WTA Finals. She is dominant against most other players, but Rybakina is a problem.
Elena Rybakina carries brilliant form into Australian Open title run
11:26 , Jamie BraidwoodElena Rybakina’s sensational form began towards the end of last season. She put together a string of wins to qualify for the WTA Finals, where she beat Aryna Sabalenka to win the title.
After beating top seed Sabalenka in the final, second seed Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals and sixth seed Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals, Rybakina has won 10 matches in a row against top-10 opponents.
Rybakina has also won 20 of her last 21 matches.
Elena Rybakina, composed as ever, celebrates with the Australian Open trophy
11:21 , Jamie Braidwood“I’m speechless right now,” says the chill Rybakina. “But of course I want to congratulate Aryna with the amazing results for a couple of year. I know it's tough but I just hope that we're gonna play many more finals together and of course congrats to your team for all the improvements, a great job you've done.
”I want to say thank you of course to you guys [the crowd] for such an incredible atmosphere. It was a battle and honestly your support kept us going. Thank you so much to Kazakhstan
”And of course I would like to say thank you to my team, without you it won't be possible, really. We had a lot of things going on and I'm really glad that we achieved this result.”
Aryna Sabalenka: 'Let’s hope next year the cup will be ours'
11:15 , Jamie Braidwood“Honestly guys, I’m speechless right now,” Sabalenka begins. “First of all, congratulations Elena and your team for this achievement.
“I hope next year is going to be better for me. Thank for my team for enjoying me losing finals - but also sometimes we win them, so let’s hope for the best. Let’s hope next year the cup will be ours.”
Australian Open trophy presentation underway
11:11 , Jamie BraidwoodThe trophy presentation has been a tough scene for Aryna Sabalenka over the past couple of years when she has been the runner-up. She has to face the ceremony once again.
Elena Rybakina becomes a two-time grand slam champion
11:09 , Jamie BraidwoodRybakina rushes to hug her team and greet her family in the stands. Three years on from losing to Sabalenka in the Australian Open final, she is a grand slam champion again. Four wins on from that Wimbledon triumph.
Sabalenka covers her face with a towel. How, how, how is she going to figure out this grand slam final conundrum? Rybakina really just found a way to step it up in the final set.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Elena Rybakina stuns Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 4-6 6-4
11:06 , Jamie BraidwoodRemarkable. Elena Rybakina has done it again to Aryna Sabalenka. The 26-year-old smiles, shakes her fist and hugs Sabalenka at the net after winning her second grand slam and first Australian Open.
A typically composed celebration from Rybakina. Sabalenka, from 3-0 up in the final set, is beaten in a third grand slam final from her last four.
ELENA RYBAKINA WINS THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN
11:03 , Jamie BraidwoodElena Rybakina stunned top seed and rival Aryna Sabalenka to win the Australian Open and her second grand slam title, overturning the world No 1 in a rollercoaster final set where she won six of the final seven games.
Aryna Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 4-6 Elena Rybakina
11:02 , Jamie BraidwoodSabalenka responds with a winner - but Rybakina delivers the first serve ace down the middle to bring CHAMPIONSHIP POINT.
ACE FROM RYBAKINA!
Aryna Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 4-5 Elena Rybakina*
11:01 , Jamie BraidwoodA big forehand-forehand exchange on the opening point. Sabalenka will fight for this and Rybakina nets!
How will this first serve stand up. Rybakina goes wide, Sabalenka attacks, but Rybakina fires the winner down the line!
15-15. A huge forehand winner from Rybakina takes her two points away! Unstoppable!
Aryna Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 4-5 Elena Rybakina*
10:59 , Jamie BraidwoodHow are your nerves, Elena Rybakina?
Hello and welcome
06:00 , Jamie BraidwoodAryna Sabalenka bids to regain her Australian Open crown as she faces Elena Rybakina in a big-hitting rematch of their dramatic final from three years ago.
The world No 1 was stunned by Madison Keys in last year’s final but is looking to win her third title in four years after reaching another final in Melbourne, having beaten Rybakina to win her first in 2023.
Both have been in dominant form this tournament, and Sabalenka and Rybakina are the first players to advance to a grand slam women’s final without dropping a set since Serena and Venus Williams in 2008.
Fifth seed Rybakina moved into her first grand slam final in three years by continuing her winning streak against top-10 players with wins against Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula.
Rybakina may have lost to Sabalenka three years ago, but the 2022 Wimbledon winner claimed a statement win over the world No 1 at the WTA Finals at the end of last season.
Sabalenka will be bidding for her fifth grand slam title overall after continuing her excellent consistency with a seventh hard-court grand slam final in a row.
Aryna Sabalenka v Elena Rybakina start time and how to watch Australian Open final
