Elena Rybakina sets up Aryna Sabalenka Australian Open final rematch after beating battling Jessica Pegula in semi-finals

The 2026 Australian Open women's final will be contested bteween Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka. Rybakina beat Jessica Pegula in straight sets to advance to the final, which is a rematch of the 2023 final, when Sabalenka won in three sets. Two-time champion Sabalenka beat Elina Svitolina to reach her fourth-straight final at the Grand Slam in Melbourne.

Elena Rybakina set up an Australian Open final rematch against Aryna Sabalenka as she overcame a stiff challenge from Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals.

Pegula battled hard in the second set, saving three match points and breaking twice when Rybakina served for the win, before missing out on two set points in a tie-breaker.

But Rybakina prevailed 6-3 7-6(7) on Rod Laver Arena to reach her third Grand Slam final.

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She will now look to avenge her three-set defeat to Sabalenka in the 2023 Australian Open final when they meet again for the title on Saturday at 8:30am UK time, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Sabalenka beat Elina Svitolina to reach the final for the fourth year in a row.

"It was such a battle," said Rybakina about her win over Pegula. "It was an epic second set and I am really glad I was able to win it.

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Video credit: SNTV

"Jessica played so well and fought until the end and I am super happy to be in the final."

Rybakina was made to work hard for her spot in the final, particularly as she looked to close out the match.

Pegula saved three match points to get to 5-5 and then broke when Rybakina served for the win.

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Rybakina had another chance to serve it out, but again Pegula denied her as she forced a tie-breaker.

Fifth seed Rybakina was again on top in the tie-breaker but Pegula fought back from 4-2 down to lead 5-4.

The American then had two chances to win the set but couldn’t convert either.

Rybakina didn’t miss when she had her opportunity as she stepped into a second serve and crushed a backhand winner down the line.

'Pretty awesome' from Rybakina as she unleashes backhand winner against Pegula

Video credit: TNT Sports

Rybakina had started the match impressively as she won the first three games in a row.

She didn’t face a break point in the opening set and closed it out with a forehand winner.

But Pegula’s resistance was tougher to break in the second set as Rybakina was pushed all the way.

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Stream every match of the 2026 Australian Open live and on-demand on discovery+

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