The Australian Open 2026 women’s singles final promises a high-octane showdown as world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faces No. 5 Elena Rybakina at Melbourne’s iconic Rod Laver Arena. Two of the most powerful players in modern women’s tennis will battle for the first Grand Slam title of the year, making this final one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 season.
Match Date, Time, and Venue
The women’s singles final is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, with first serve set for 3:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). Fans on the West Coast can tune in at 12:30 a.m. Pacific Time (PT). The match will be played under the lights at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, a venue known for hosting historic Grand Slam moments and electrifying finals.
Women’s Singles Final – Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Finalists | Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina |
| Date | Saturday, January 31, 2026 |
| Time (ET) | 3:30 a.m. |
| Time (PT) | 12:30 a.m. |
| Venue | Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne |
Where to Watch the Australian Open 2026 Women’s Final (USA)
Tennis fans in the United States will have multiple viewing options for the championship match.
| Platform | Access |
|---|---|
| TV Channels | ESPN, Tennis Channel |
| Live Stream | ESPN App (on-demand available) |
Sabalenka’s Road to the Final
Aryna Sabalenka arrives in the final in dominant form. The top seed is making her fourth consecutive Australian Open final appearance, underlining her consistency on hard courts. She is chasing her third Australian Open title in that span and aiming to continue her Grand Slam momentum after capturing the 2025 US Open crown.
In Melbourne this year, Sabalenka has been ruthless. She has not dropped a single set throughout the tournament, showcasing improved control to match her trademark power. Her path to the final included a commanding quarterfinal win over Iva Jovic and a composed semifinal victory against Elina Svitolina, where her aggressive baseline game and serve proved decisive.
Rybakina’s Challenge
Elena Rybakina enters the final as a proven big-match player with a calm demeanor and one of the most effective serves on the WTA Tour. Known for her clean ball striking and ability to handle pressure, Rybakina has consistently performed well on hard courts. Her flat groundstrokes and strong return game make her a serious threat to Sabalenka’s title ambitions.
Final Preview and Expectations
This final sets up a classic power-versus-power contest. Sabalenka’s explosive forehand and relentless aggression will be tested by Rybakina’s precision, serving accuracy, and composure in long rallies. With both players experienced on the biggest stages, fans can expect a high-quality, intense battle worthy of a Grand Slam final.
The Australian Open 2026 women’s singles final is not just about a trophy—it’s a defining early-season clash that could shape the rest of the tennis year.