“There is no way I lose it”: How Sabalenka Turned Her Most Painful Final into a Sunshine Double

Melbourne, January 2026. The Australian Open final concluded with Elena Rybakina defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a hard-fought match, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Sabalenka had established a strong 3-0 lead in the deciding set, only to see the momentum slip away swiftly, resulting in her being broken and trailing 3-4 in what seemed like mere moments. Visibly distressed, she covered her head with a white towel, seated on her changeover chair, while Rybakina celebrated her victory with her jubilant team. This marked Sabalenka’s third Grand Slam final loss in a relatively short period, setting the stage for…