It seems fitting that the 2026 Australian Open final will be played by the two players who experienced the most recent success on hardcourts.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka breezed by Elina Svitolina who continues to be winless in Grand Slam semifinals. Sabalenka was nearly flawless in her straight set win. With the win, she is now in her 7th straight hardcourt Grand Slam final. The three-time Grand Slam champion (2023 and 2024 Australian Open and winner of the 2025 US Open) is looking to add to her trophy case after a disappointing finish last year against a surging Madison Keys.
Players able to reach 7+ consecutive Grand Slam women's singles finals on hard courts
• Monica Seles (8, 1991-1996)
• Martina Hingis (7, 1997-2000)
• Steffi Graf (7, 1987-1990)
• Aryna Sabalenka (7, 2023-2026) pic.twitter.com/6PzpEGleLj— Mario Boccardi (@boccardi_marioo) January 29, 2026
Those who thought Svitolina and Pegula’s runs through the Australian Open draw felt familiar to Keys’ improbable run last year can now put theose thoughts to bed. Pegula, for her part, rallied late in the second set against Elena Rybakina who captured the 2025 WTA Finals with a spectacular late season run and a straight set win over Sabalenka in the final match last fall.
It was too little too late for Pegula as Rybakina played a perfect first set before errors crept into her game in the second set.
Pegula saved multiple match points on her serve down 3-5 in the second and forced a tiebreaker. Rybakina controlled her nerves at the key times and got the win 6-3, 7=6.
Aryna Sabalenka Vs. Elena Rybakina
Sabalenka and Rybakina played an outstanding final at the 2023 Australian Open. Rybakina won the first set before Sabalenka mounted a two set comeback to win her maiden Grand Slam. Sabalenka leads the head-to-head matchup 8-6.
AO 2023 FINAL REMATCH LOADING…
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will meet again for the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup 🏆 pic.twitter.com/3L7YfR1kFA
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2026
Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, will need to be at the top of her game from start to finish to upset Sabalenka.
One thing she will want to avoid is a tiebreaker as Sabalenka recently broke Novak Djokovic’s record by going 20-0 in Grand Slam tiebreakers.
MOST CONSECUTIVE TIEBREAKS WON AT SLAMS:
19 – Djokovic (2005-07), SABALENKA* (2023-26)
*active streak pic.twitter.com/uaxxXVGAPH
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) January 23, 2026
Rybakina has struggled with health issues in the past couple of years before her 2025 late season explosive play. Hopefully, she can keep her fitness and form up so that we can be entertained by a high caliber Australian Open final between two Grand Slam champions.
Set your alarm clock for the Australian Open final to be aired on ESPN at 3:30 AM EST on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
