Sam Smith Analyses Rybakina’s Epic Australian Open Triumph and Williams Comeback Rumours
MELBOURNE, 1 February 2026 – Leading tennis commentator Sam Smith has been at the centre of the narrative during a dramatic final weekend at the 2026 Australian Open, providing sharp insight into Elena Rybakina’s historic title win and fuelling speculation around a potential Serena Williams return to the sport.
Rybakina’s Remarkable Comeback Seals Maiden Title
Smith’s commentary captured the pivotal moments as World No. 5 Elena Rybakina staged a stunning comeback to defeat top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the women’s singles final on 31 January. With Sabalenka leading 3-0 in the deciding set, Smith noted the first signs of the Belarusian’s mental unravelling as Rybakina incredibly won five consecutive games to flip the match and claim her first Australian Open crown. In the lead-up, Smith had previewed the clash as a potential “blockbuster,” questioning pre-match, “Is the Tiger about to roar?” in reference to Sabalenka’s famous tattoo.
Key Facts & Figures: Australian Open 2026 Women’s Final
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Champion | Elena Rybakina (KAZ) |
| Runner-up | Aryna Sabalenka |
| Final Score | 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 |
| Key Moment | Rybakina’s five-game winning streak from 0-3 down in the third set |
| Rybakina’s Grand Slam Titles | 2 (Wimbledon 2022, Australian Open 2026) |
| Notable Australian Result | Alex de Minaur lost in quarter-finals to Carlos Alcaraz |
Smith Fuels Serena Williams Comeback Speculation
Separately, Smith has been definitive in analysing rumours of a Serena Williams comeback. Williams has not competed since her third-round loss to Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2022 US Open. “You don’t go back in the testing pool unless you’re coming back. She’s coming back,” Smith stated emphatically in recent analysis, unpacking what was described as the 24-time major champion’s “masterplan.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 Australian Open women’s singles title?
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan won the 2026 Australian Open women’s singles title, defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in three sets.
What did Sam Smith say about Serena Williams?
Sam Smith, a prominent tennis commentator, stated that Serena Williams is likely planning a comeback to professional tennis, citing her return to the drug testing pool as a key indicator.
Is Sam Smith a former tennis player?
Sam Smith is a former British tennis player who is now recognised as one of the world’s leading play-by-play commentators and analysts for women’s tennis.