Elena Rybakina to soar to world no. 3 after Australian Open title

Elena Rybakina to soar to world no. 3 after Australian Open title originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The wins keep coming for Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina.

After a brilliant fortnight’s worth of play that saw her drop just one set in the opening grand slam of the year, Rybakina has earned enough ranking points to see her rise from number five in the world to number three in the WTA rankings.

It means she will only trail the two players she beat in the semi-final and final en route to her second ever grand slam, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. 

Rybakina showcased incredible power to down Sabalenka in the Aus. Open final, ultimately claiming victory 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

MORE: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Elena Rybakina score, result as Kazakhstani wins first ever AO title in thriling comeback

But it did require a miracle comeback in the third and final set, with the Kazakhstani at one point trailing 0-3. 

Fortunately, Rybakina was able to win five straight games, and eventually serve out the match to to win a modern classic.