Australian Open 2023 women’s final result – Aryna Sabalenka comes from behind to beat Elena Rybakina and win her first Grand Slam title
E. Rybakina vs A. Sabalenka | Australian Open
Women's Singles | Final | 28.01.2023 | Rod Laver Arena
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Completed
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E. Rybakina (22)
6
3
4
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A. Sabalenka (5)
4
6
6
Live
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Updated 28/01/2023 at 11:37 GMT
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11.37
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'Big things to follow' - Henman and Wilander on Sabalenka's incredible mental strength in final
11.26
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Sabalenka wins her first Grand Slam title in thrilling final against Rybakina
11.21
REPORT AND REACTION: SABALENKA LIFTS TITLE WITH FINE COMEBACK WIN
Relive a blockbusting final by checking out James Kilpatrick's report below.
11.14
GAME, SET AND MATCH! - SABALENKA 4-6 6-3 6-4 RYBAKINA
She’s done it! It’s a first ever Grand Slam title for Aryna Sabalenka as she serves out a superb final on her FOURTH match point to become the 2023 Australian Open champion.
The 24-year-old Belarusian had to do it the hard way, hitting back from 15-30 down and then double faulting on her first match point to test her own nerves at deuce.
Another two chances went begging and Rybakina also earned a break back point before Sabalenka scrapped her way over the line to clock up an 11th straight victory in 2023.
The No.5 seed - who will move up to No.2 in the world as a result of her run in Melbourne – got better and better as the match wore on and was rewarded for her attacking tennis (with over 50 winners) by deservedly coming through in two hours and 28 minutes.
Reigning Wimbledon champion, Rybakina fought hard to keep her opponent at bay for long spells after the opening set and can console herself with the fact the runner-up spot will see her move to a career-high No.10 in the rankings on Monday.
11.04
SABALENKA 4-6 6-3 5-4 RYBAKINA
You would never know by Rybakina’s expression as to whether she is feeling the heat or not.
She doesn’t seem too fazed despite the all-or-nothing nature of her situation right now and she gives herself one last shot at saving the match with a bullet forehand to take the game to 30.
Sabalenka will now serve for the title.
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Watch as Sabalenka breaks Rybakina in crucial moment in deciding set
10.59
SABALENKA 4-6 6-3 5-3 RYBAKINA
Sabalenka slaps down a timely 16th ace of the match to consolidate from deuce after Rybakina had turned the screw from 40-15 down.
10.56
10.52
BREAK! - SABALENKA 4-6 6-3 4-3 RYBAKINA
Sabalenka’s forehand has really come to life as this match has worn on.
She unloads a pair of stonking winners off that flank to clock up yet another break point, but once again she can’t convert and Rybakina saves another from deuce.
The No.22 seed has really been under the cosh and when a third comes along Aryna nails a smash down the middle to FINALLY get her reward and break her opponent's impressive resistance.
10.47
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Sabalenka takes final to a third set as she clinches second with an ace against Rybakina
10.45
SABALENKA 4-6 6-3 3-3 RYBAKINA
Aryna is playing some fantastic attacking tennis. She roars past the 40-mark for winners and adds another couple of aces to level matters with real efficiency.
10.41
SABALENKA 4-6 6-3 2-3 RYBAKINA
Rybakina throws in her first double fault of the match and a 30-0 lead begins to turn complicated.
Sabalenka earns break point with a ferocious forehand but clutch serving and a series of brilliant backhands edge Elena out of dodge once again.
Sabalenka must be so frustrated right now. She’s been doing all of the pressing on return for quite some time now.
10.37
10.34
SABALENKA 4-6 6-3 2-2 RYBAKINA
Sabalenka cannons a 37th winner of the match on her way to another comfortable game for the loss of just one point.
10.32
SABALENKA 4-6 6-3 1-2 RYBAKINA
Rybakina survives another tricky situation from 30-30 as she remains calm to stroll on to the ball off a net cord and flash away a backhand winner.
The Wimbledon champion is having to fend off countless attacks on her second serve but is digging deep to stay in some intense rallies and it helps her keep her nose in front early in the third.
10.26
SABALENKA 4-6 6-3 1-1 RYBAKINA
No danger for Sabalenka as she scurries through a routine game to 15 to get on the board with relative ease.
10.23
SABALENKA 4-6 6-3 0-1 RYBAKINA
The No.22 seed conjures up a service winner to take the game to 30 after Sabalenka had threatened to hit back from 40-0 down with a couple of superb returns.
10.20
BRITS PRAISED FOR AUSSIE OPEN SUCCESS STORIES
Eurosport expert Laura Robson has paid tribute to the British players after what was a "phenomenal Australian Open" with Alfie Hewett clinching a double triumph.
More on all things British below!
10.18
SET! – SABALENKA 4-6 6-3 RYBAKINA
All square! Sabalenka slams an ace down the T to serve out the game to 30 and conclude the second set.
It’s been a fine response from the Belarusian and she is arguably the favourite heading into the decider, although you would be foolish to rule out Rybakina.
10.16
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Sabalenka piles the pressure on Rybakina as she breaks in the second set
10.14
SABALENKA 4-6 5-3 RYBAKINA
Rybakina comes under fire once more and has to produce more clutch moments under pressure to fend off two set points courtesy of an ace and a backhand up the line.
The Kazakhstani shows lovely hands to pick up a shot close to her feet near the net and eventually prevails to pose the serve-out question.