MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Elena Rybakina finally won her second Grand Slam title with a victory over top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open on Saturday, and it was something of a testament to quiet achievers.

Australian Open 2026 Men's Singles Final Highlights, Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic: World World No. 1 Alcaraz handed Djokovic his first defeat in an Australian Open final to become the youngest men's player to win a Career Grand Slam.

Aryna Sabalenka has once again struggled on the sport’s biggest stage, falling short in Saturday’s Australian Open final against Elena Rybakina. Rybakina came out on top 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 and has been backed to overtake Sabalenka for the top spot in the world rankings this year.

The Athletic ’s tennis team, Matthew Futterman, Charlie Eccleshare and James Hansen, present their takeaways from the first Grand Slam of 2026, from the best shots and funniest moments to the biggest disappointments and the most incredible matches.

Former American tennis star John McEnroe got into a tense confrontation with a fan at Melbourne Airport while flying out of Australia following the Australian Open. A video circulating on social media shows the Tennis Hall of Famer and tennis commentator exiting his car as a young fan tries to snap a photo.

Tennis Hall of Famer John McEnroe was clearly frustrated during an encounter with a tenacious fan while at Melbourne Airport.