Australian Open 2026: Rybakina Claims Title
The first Grand Slam event of 2026 has concluded, with Elena Rybakina emerging as the champion of the Australian Open in Melbourne. Rybakina secured her second major title by defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic three-set final.
Rybakina’s Rise in Rankings
Rybakina ascends two spots to No. 3 in this week’s PIF WTA Rankings, matching her career-high established in June 2023 and maintained through January 2024. She boasts an impressive record of 20 victories in her last 21 matches, with her only setback occurring against Karolina Muchova during the Brisbane quarterfinals. Moreover, Rybakina has succeeded in 10 consecutive matches against Top 10 rivals in this timeframe.
Historic Presence of Mothers in Top 10
For the first time in WTA rankings history, two mothers are featured in the Top 10. Belinda Bencic made her return to the Top 10 last month after going unbeaten at the United Cup, and she rises to No. 9 after reaching the second round in Melbourne. Elina Svitolina advanced to her fourth Grand Slam semifinal, ultimately losing to Sabalenka, and reclaims a spot in the Top 10 at No. 10, marking her first appearance there since October 2021.
Younger Players Making Moves
A remarkable surge of teenage talent was evident at the Australian Open, with five teens reaching the third round—the highest number since the 2009 US Open. Canada’s Victoria Mboko, 19, climbed to No. 13 after making it to the last 16. Eighteen-year-old Iva Jovic celebrated her first Top 10 victory and debuts in the Top 20 at No. 20, while fellow teen Tereza Valentova also made her Top 50 debut at No. 44 following her third-round exit.
Janice Tjen’s Historic Climb
Janice Tjen, who was ranked No. 395 just a year ago, has made a significant leap to No. 47 after reaching the second round of the Australian Open. Tjen is now the second Indonesian to join the Top 50, following Yayuk Basuki, who peaked at No. 19 in 1997.
Notable Comebacks on the Horizon
Several former Grand Slam champions found their footing again by participating in lesser events. Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, qualified for the Australian Open main draw, ending a lengthy losing streak. Bianca Andreescu, 2019’s US Open winner, excelled in Florida’s ITF events, climbing back up to No. 162.
