Rybakina shows the world that she belongs: 'I found my best form'

(Getty/Clive Brunskill)

When Elena Rybakina burst onto the scene to win the 2022 Wimbledon title, it was rightly assumed that she would kick on and be a force within the women's game.

After reaching the Australian Open final six months later, a loss there against Aryna Sabalenka was the last time she would partake in a major final... until the same tournament three years on, against the same opponent.

Rybakina, 26, required the sole break in the opening set to have one hand on the Daphne trophy, but after a slip-up in the 10th game of set two, the decider was too close to call.

Then, after going down 0-3 in a blink of an eye, Rybakina quickly regrouped to find another gear, securing six of the next seven games to defeat Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 - exacting revenge for a heartbreaking loss in 2023.

"Last time (2023 final), I was close, but Aryna played really well that match. I remember that she stepped in. She went for her shots. She was serving really well, and I think she was even risking a little bit because the second serve was going almost as first," Rybakina recalled.

"I knew that today, if I get a chance to lead, I will need to try also kind of some risky shots and just go for it. Not definitely wait for any mistakes or even get to the long rallies.

"It's amazing to hold the trophy this time."

The First Serve Live returns on Monday February 2nd at 8pm AEDT for its 18th year on the SEN Network/App, Australia's only dedicated weekly tennis program on commercial radio running through till the end of November.

For the casual fan, this result might've come as a bit of a surprise, but not for those who have followed Rybakina's results over the past few months.

Her win over Sabalenka marked 10 straight victories over top 10 players, and has now won 20 of her past 21 matches, a stretch that included a title at November's WTA Finals.

Fair to say, the now two-time Grand Slam champion has flown under the radar, and her empty press conference room after winning her first round paints that exact picture.

Now up to a career-high No.3 when the rankings release on Monday, Rybakina, who admits she has rediscovered her "best form", is searching for more.

"I have big goals. Of course, time will show, but definitely we will keep on working, and hopefully I achieve my goals," she shared.

On the other side of the net, Sabalenka has to pick up the pieces for the second year running, after she lost another three-set epic to Madison Keys 12 months ago.

"I mean, she played incredible match, and I try my very best. I was fighting until the very last point," she told reporters.

"I had my opportunities. It feels like I missed couple, but I mean, it's tennis. You know, today you're loser; tomorrow you're winner. Hopefully I'll be more of a winner this season than a loser. Hoping right now and praying."

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