Australian Open 2026 Day 14 Preview: Sabalenka vs. Rybakina Set for Women’s Final
Day 14 at the Australian Open (Saturday, January 31, 2026) crowns the women’s singles champion as World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina face off in a blockbuster final at Melbourne Park. With contrasting styles, compelling history and major momentum on the line, this matchup promises high drama, powerful tennis and a memorable championship battle on Rod Laver Arena.
Official head-to-head resource:
https://www.wtatennis.com/head-to-head/320760/324166
Sabalenka vs. Rybakina — Power Versus Precision in Melbourne Finale
The Storyline
This final reunites two of the WTA Tour’s most dynamic competitors. Sabalenka, currently at the top of the women’s rankings, has posted an authoritative run through the draw, showcasing dominating form and confidence on hard courts. She’s a multiple Australian Open finalist and champion in recent years, reinforcing her status as one of the premier players in the game.
Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and one of the tour’s biggest servers, arrives in Melbourne after overcoming fierce competition and riding a wave of momentum. Her power from the baseline and ability to score quick points has been a defining strength throughout the tournament.
This final will be a contrast of offensive forces: Sabalenka’s relentless ball-striking and aggressive court positioning versus Rybakina’s clean serving and penetrating groundstrokes.
Head-to-Head History & What It Means
Their rivalry stretches back several seasons, with Sabalenka holding a narrow edge in overall wins in previous meetings, though Rybakina has claimed big victories as well, including at the 2025 WTA Finals.
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Sabalenka and Rybakina have faced each other numerous times across major events and tour stops, trading wins and showcasing high-level tennis.
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Their styles — Sabalenka’s powerful baseline attack versus Rybakina’s serve-first game and depth — make this matchup unpredictable and exciting.
The head-to-head edge narrowly favors Sabalenka, but the balance of recent meetings and the momentum Rybakina carries into the final make this a true 50-50 championship clash.
Keys to Victory
Sabalenka’s Path:
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Dominate with first-strike tennis and deep baseline depth
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Force Rybakina into defensive positions and capitalise on return games
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Stay mentally composed in crucial points
Sabalenka’s recent form — and her history of reaching Australian Open finals — shows she’s comfortable with high-pressure moments and expectations.
Rybakina’s Path:
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Serve powerfully and hold consistently to leave Sabalenka under pressure
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Use pace to shorten points and prevent long baseline rallies
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Stay sharp in tiebreak scenarios and on key service games
Rybakina’s ability to hit aces and push winners from the first strike could tilt short games in her favour, especially if Sabalenka’s first serve isn’t peaking.
What This Final Represents
This championship match isn’t just about the title — it’s a rematch rich with narrative context. The pair previously contested the 2023 Australian Open final, where Sabalenka emerged victorious in a three-set battle, and Rybakina responded with a big win over Sabalenka at the 2025 WTA Finals.
That history adds layers of anticipation: will Sabalenka cement her dominance at Rod Laver Arena once again, or can Rybakina flip the script and capture the trophy with her power-forward game?
Final Thoughts — Must-Watch Tennis
Key reasons to tune in on Day 14:
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Two contrasting champion contenders — power against precision
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History that tells of tightly contested battles and momentum swings
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A Grand Slam final that could define the early 2026 season
Whether you’re drawn to all-court aggression or big-serve domination, this Australian Open women’s final has all the ingredients of a classic.
Catch every thrilling point, as Sabalenka and Rybakina battle for tennis’s grandest stage.
