“Yelena held a press conference after winning the Australian Open 2026 final”, — write: sport.ua
– Your second Grand Slam and first here in Melbourne. Tell us what emotions you feel immediately after the match.
– This is an incredible achievement. I am super happy and proud, it was a very hard battle. I did not expect that it would be possible to turn the tide, opportunities appeared, and Arina is a very serious opponent. But I’m super happy that this time I’m holding the trophy.
– How much did the 2023 final affect you? The conditions were similar. You won the first set, lost the second, and this time you won the third. How much did it motivate you today?
– Last time I was close to victory, but Arina [Соболенко] played very well. I remember that she actively went to her shots, served well, sometimes took risks, because the second serve went almost like the first. I knew that today, if there was a chance to lead, I would have to take risks and go for my shots, not wait for mistakes and not drag out long rallies. So yeah, it’s great and it’s incredible to hold the trophy again this time.
– What did you take away from that final that helped you win today?
– It was a very close match in 2023. I felt that if there are chances, you need to take risks and go for your shots. The second set was just as difficult as the first, but I got the upper hand and broke early in the first set, so it was easier. The second set was very close, I didn’t raise my level, she played well, it was difficult to come back in the third set. I’m glad that, being behind in the score, I was able to calm down, stop being nervous and focus on each draw, and also not let her go into a bigger gap.
– You are currently on an incredible streak. Do you feel invincible?
– Not really. I recently played in Brisbane, I lost there. But in recent weeks I have improved, which is very nice. Every match was different, but the serve was not as good at first, the movement was not like today in the semi-finals. I am proud to work with the team and find my best form at this slam.
– Last year Stefano Vukov could not be at the tournament with you. This year he was in the box and received the trophy at the ceremony. How did it feel to see that moment for him and for you, and what does it mean after everything that’s happened in a year?
– I didn’t think anything in particular, we won many titles together, even in the WTA finals in Ningbo last year, and now this trophy. I am once again proud and grateful to the team for all their work. We prepared well, there were ups and downs in the preseason and in the first tournament of the year. I am happy and think that this victory is for the whole team, for everyone who supports me. Hopefully I can keep this momentum going for the whole season and continue to improve.
– Congratulations on an excellent tournament. Iga Svyontek and Arina Sobolenko have been dominating tournaments for several years. How nice is it to beat them both, win the title and go through it all the hard way?
– Of course, these are strong rivals, they have excellent results, they have been at the top for a long time. I am glad to have returned to this level and hope to remain stable throughout the season, to show good tennis and results. There were many difficult matches, I am glad that I was able to take advantage of the opportunities during the match and win in the end.
– Statistics show that you have won more matches than anyone on the Women’s Tour since Wimbledon. Can you name the reason?
– I didn’t even know this statistic. The reason is that I play well and I have a very aggressive style of play. We always adapt to my condition, the schedule is not easy for everyone. You need to manage your body, there are injuries, you need to communicate with the team and make different plans. In the morning, the situation may be completely different. Everything depends on communication and the support of wonderful people around.
– In the last four years, were there any doubts that you would win the second major?
– I always believed that I could return to my level. Of course, there are ups and downs, sometimes it seemed that I would not be in the final again or I would not receive the trophy. It all depends on the job. We worked a lot with the team, they supported me in difficult moments. After big victories over top players, you start to believe in yourself more. So it was.
– How are you going to please yourself, will there be free time? Where will you go in Melbourne – to the beach, shopping, to the botanical garden?
– Unfortunately, there is not enough time. We are leaving tomorrow night. I want to celebrate with the team and hopefully with my family. I want to see something in Melbourne and do something fun, but it depends on the time.
– How do these emotions compare to those at Wimbledon? With all the ups and downs, could this win be any sweeter?
– Emotions are different. Wimbledon was my first experience at this level, I won immediately. I remember that I didn’t sleep well even in the quarterfinals – so many thoughts and emotions. It was very stressful. I learned a lot from my experience in Tour. Later, the emotions are the same, you want to win, but everything is different. I slept well here, which is great. The coach always says: you lose, but then there is a chance next week, and many more slams. I was focused and not so tense.
– You won the WTA Finals and now this tournament in a row. You had good results on all surfaces. Do you think you can already be the best in the world and number one in the ranking can soon be your goal?
– Yes, I have big goals. Time will tell, but we will work and hopefully I will achieve my goals. I will continue to work and see what happens.
