The Tennis Podcast Aus Open Day 14 - Rybakina’s glory but did Sabalenka blow it?
20 snips
Jan 31, 2026 A breakdown of Rybakina’s title win and the swingy 6-4 4-6 6-4 final. Debate over whether Sabalenka squandered a 3-0 lead and if big-match nerves are a problem. Close look at Rybakina’s calm shotmaking, serving and key momentum shifts. Coverage of doubles and wheelchair triumphs, including Niels Vink’s career Grand Slam. A preview and predictions for Alcaraz vs Djokovic to close.
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Rybakina's Clinical Ball Striking
- Elena Rybakina produced bursts of pristine, clinical hitting that decided the match at key moments.
- David Law argues her clean ball-striking and timing gave her the edge over Sabalenka in the big moments.
Sabalenka Lost Control Late
- Catherine Whitaker believes Sabalenka 'threw it away' despite playing well for long stretches.
- She says the match turned on Sabalenka's inability to close out from 3-0 in the decider.
Tennis Scoring Makes Short Spells Matter
- David Law and Matt Law note Sabalenka often dominates longer stretches but Rybakina won the big moments.
- The scoring system magnified Rybakina's late composure and made those spells decisive.