Epic Showdowns Define Australian Open 2026 as Rybakina Claims Maiden Title and Djokovic Alcaraz Final Looms

January 31, 2026

The 2026 Australian Open delivered high drama on its penultimate day with Elena Rybakina capturing her first Melbourne crown in a gripping women's final while Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz set up a blockbuster men's championship clash after marathon semifinal victories. Rybakina's triumph avenged her 2023 loss to Aryna Sabalenka and marked her second Grand Slam title overall, while the men's side produced two of the longest and most intense semifinals in tournament history.

The tournament, which began January 18 at Melbourne Park, concludes Sunday with the men's singles final between world No. 1 Alcaraz and 38-year-old Djokovic, who is chasing a record-extending 11th Australian Open title and his 25th major overall.

Rybakina Overcomes Deficit to Stun Sabalenka

In the women's singles final on Rod Laver Arena, fifth-seeded Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan defeated top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a tense two-hour-22-minute battle. Rybakina broke early in the first set and held firm through powerful exchanges before Sabalenka leveled the match by taking the second.

The decider saw Sabalenka surge to a 3-0 lead, appearing poised for her third Australian Open title in four years. Rybakina, however, mounted a stunning comeback, winning five consecutive games with precise serving and aggressive baseline play. She sealed the victory with an ace on championship point, denying Sabalenka a fifth major singles crown and marking her first Australian Open triumph.

Rybakina praised the "Happy Slam" atmosphere in her on-court interview, thanking her team for support through a challenging tournament. Sabalenka, visibly emotional, described the defeat as tough after back-to-back runner-up finishes in Melbourne.

Men's Semifinals Produce Record-Breaking Marathons

The men's semifinals earlier Friday provided unforgettable theater. World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz edged third-seeded Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in a five-hour-27-minute epic, the longest semifinal in Australian Open history. Alcaraz overcame fitness concerns and Zverev's aggressive fifth-set push to reach his first Melbourne final and position himself for a potential career Grand Slam at age 22.

In the night session, fourth-seeded Novak Djokovic staged a remarkable comeback against defending champion Jannik Sinner, winning 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 after more than four hours. Djokovic saved 16 of 18 break points and turned the tide in the later sets, ending Sinner's bid for a third straight title. At 38, Djokovic became the oldest man to reach an Australian Open final, calling the match "surreal" in an emotional post-match interview.

Tournament Highlights and Records

The 2026 edition featured record prize money of A$111.5 million, up 16 percent from the previous year. Notable achievements included Djokovic surpassing Roger Federer's mark for most Australian Open match wins (103) and reaching 400 career major victories. Venus Williams, at 45, competed in the women's draw, adding historical depth.

The finals day Sunday promises massive stakes: Rybakina's win sets up Alcaraz for a shot at history against Djokovic, who seeks to extend his dominance in Melbourne. With both matches carrying immense narrative weight, the Australian Open closes its 114th chapter on a high note of athletic excellence and drama.

As crowds pack Rod Laver Arena one last time, the focus shifts to whether youth prevails or experience endures in what could become one of the most memorable finals in Grand Slam history.