Rybakina: "I always believed I could return to my level"

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 31 Jan 2026 | 14.27

Rybakina: "I always trusted that I could return to my level". Photo: Getty

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Elena Rybakina conquered the second Grand Slam of her career at the Open de Australia 2026. The Kazakh player, ranked 3rd in the world in the upcoming ranking update, achieved this incredible feat by defeating a formidable Aryna Sabalenka in the final in Melbourne.

Although not expressing her emotions too much, Elena appeared happy and proud of this achievement. After celebrating with her team at the Rod Laver Arena, Rybakina went to the press conference to talk about what this victory means to her, in addition to analyzing the match.

Rybakina and the keys to her triumph at the Open de Australia 2026

"It's an incredible achievement. I'm super happy and proud. It was a very tough battle, and I didn't expect to turn it around. I had some opportunities, but Aryna is a very tough opponent, so I'm super happy to get the trophy this time. The last time, I was close, but Aryna played very well in that match. I remember she got into the match, went for her shots. She was serving really well, and I think she even took some risks because the second serve was almost the same as the first. I knew today, if I had the chance to lead, I had to try some risky shots and just go for it, without expecting errors or long rallies," Elena Rybakina explained.

About the presence of Stefano Vukov

"I didn't think of anything in particular because we have won many titles together, including last year in Ningbo, the WTA Finals, and now with this trophy, I feel, once again, proud and grateful to my team for the work. We prepared well. We had some ups and downs during the preseason, even earlier this year, in our first tournament, so yes, I'm super happy. I hope to maintain this level throughout the season and keep improving."

Rybakina talks about the rivalry with Swiatek and Sabalenka

"They are tough rivals, with excellent results, and they have been at the top for a long time and have remained consistent. I'm glad to be back at this level, and I hope to stay consistent throughout the season and continue showing great tennis and good results. I had many tough matches here. I'm glad I seized the opportunities I had during the match and came out victorious in the end."

Did you have any doubts about your level at any time?

"I always believed I could get back to my level. We all have ups and downs. Everyone thought maybe I would never reach a final again or even win a trophy, but it all comes down to the work. I think we have been working hard with the team, and they have supported me a lot too. In moments when I wasn't so positive, they helped me. When you achieve victories, big victories against the best players, you start to believe more, to have more confidence."

Differences between her triumph at Wimbledon and her victory in Australia

"They are different feelings because Wimbledon was my first experience reaching that far in the tournament. I remember I didn't sleep well, neither in the semifinals nor in the quarterfinals. Not to mention the final, emotions and thoughts were running through my head. It was very stressful. With experience, with years on the circuit, I learned a lot. Later on, you have the same emotions. You want to win, but it's a bit different. Here, I could sleep well, and that's good. What's the worst that can happen? As my coach always tells me: you lose, but then you have another chance to play the following week. And we still have many Grand Slams, so I was probably quite focused and not so stressed."