Overview
- Elena Rybakina beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 after trailing 0-3 in the final set, a finish that drew pundit criticism of Sabalenka’s late-match composure.
- Rybakina’s serve underpinned her run with 47 aces at Melbourne, the tournament high per OptaAce, and she leads the WTA for aces in 2026 so far.
- WTA rankings now list Sabalenka No. 1, Iga Swiatek No. 2 and Rybakina No. 3, and Sabalenka is set to stay No. 1 through the Middle East events given her light points to defend.
- In the Race to the WTA Finals, Rybakina leads ahead of Sabalenka, with Elina Svitolina, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, Victoria Mboko, Iva Jovic and Belinda Bencic currently in the top eight as Swiatek and Coco Gauff sit tied for ninth.
- Doha opens the WTA 1000 season with top seeds Sabalenka, Swiatek and Rybakina and defending champion Amanda Anisimova at No. 4, while Naomi Osaka (abdominal), Madison Keys and Pegula are among confirmed withdrawals.