**Elena Rybakina Claims Australian Open in Triumphant Comeback Over Sabalenka**
Key Takeaways:
- Elena Rybakina defeats world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to win her second Grand Slam title.
- Rybakina rallied from 0-3 down in deciding set, clinching a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory.
- She becomes world No. 3 in WTA rankings after extending her win streak over top-10 players to ten straight matches.
Melbourne, Australia — Searches for “9now” surged as tennis fans tuned in to watch live coverage of the 2024 Australian Open final, where Elena Rybakina staged a stunning comeback to defeat Aryna Sabalenka and win her second career Grand Slam. The match, streamed on Australia’s digital platform 9Now, drew massive interest due to its dramatic momentum shifts and high-profile rematch of last year’s final.
Back From Behind: Rybakina Overcomes Sabalenka in Epic Final
On Saturday, January 27, 26-year-old Elena Rybakina showcased nerves of steel at Rod Laver Arena, overcoming the world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory. After splitting the first two sets, Sabalenka appeared to seize control of the final set with an early 3-0 lead. But Rybakina calmly responded by winning five games in a row, ultimately sealing the title with an ace on match point.
Rybakina’s victory is especially sweet as it reverses her losses to Sabalenka in the 2023 Australian Open and 2021 Wimbledon finals. The win marks her first Australian Open championship and second Grand Slam overall after her 2022 Wimbledon title. She now rises to world No. 3 in the WTA rankings — the highest position of her career.
A Clash of Power and Precision
The battle between the two heavy-hitting stars was a match of slim margins. Despite both players finishing the contest having won exactly 92 points apiece, Rybakina prevailed in the pressure moments. She won 64% of points at 30-30 or 40-40 and 75% when facing break points, compared to Sabalenka’s 59% return rate in the third set. Rybakina’s ability to counter Sabalenka’s aggressive play with deep returns, powerful groundstrokes, and impeccable timing proved decisive.
“It’s amazing to hold this trophy,” Rybakina told the crowd. “I knew that today, if I get a chance to lead, I had to take it… play risky, go for it.”
Rybakina’s Road to Redemption
Rybakina has shown remarkable form since mid-2023, finishing the season with semifinal appearances in Toronto and Cincinnati, and capturing the WTA Finals title in Riyadh. The Australian Open crown extends her top-10 match win streak to ten straight and boosts her 2024 record to 13-1.
Her success reflects a steady climb back to top form after inconsistent patches in 2022 and early 2023. Many had questioned whether Rybakina could return to contention at the Grand Slam level. Now, her 2024 performance cements her status among the elite of women’s tennis.
Sabalenka’s Setback and What Lies Ahead
For Sabalenka, who came into the final on a 12-match, 22-set win streak in 2024, the result is a disappointment. It marks her second straight Australian Open final defeat, following her three-set loss to Madison Keys in the 2023 edition. Sabalenka, who won the tournament in 2021 and 2022, will fall just short in her quest for a third title at Melbourne Park.
“She played incredible,” Sabalenka said post-match. “Today, she was just the better player.” Despite the loss, Sabalenka remains a dominant force with aggressive baseline power and established Grand Slam pedigree. She is still projected to retain her No. 1 singles ranking with minimal point loss.
Implications for the 2024 Tennis Season
Rybakina’s win reshapes what’s already turning into a highly competitive women’s tennis season. With upcoming WTA 1000 events and the French Open on the calendar, all eyes will be on a potential sustained rivalry between Rybakina and Sabalenka. Alongside top contenders like Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff, the race for Grand Slam dominance in 2024 is heating up early.
Meanwhile, the massive traffic spike around “9now” highlights the platform’s growing importance as a destination for Australian sports fans and international viewers seeking high-quality tennis coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is 9now trending?
A: The platform streamed the Australian Open final live, attracting a surge in interest as fans tuned in to watch Elena Rybakina defeat Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set match.
Q: What happens next?
A: Rybakina moves up to world No. 3 in WTA rankings and will head into the next WTA Tour events as a top title contender, while Sabalenka looks to rebound during the Middle East swing in Doha and Dubai next month.
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