Ideas and Opinions about the Australian Open

Rybakina’s revival — Would Elina Rybakina have beaten Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final had in-match coaching—a rule change I have always opposed—not been legalized? We’ll never know the answer to this counterfactual.

What we do know is that Rybakina, a terrific power player with superb strokes, had a 9-14 record in three-set matches at Grand Slam events before defeating Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Elena trailed 3-love, 30-30 in the deciding set, just two points away from falling behind 4-0. Stefano Vukov, her hard-driving coach, exhorted, “You need to put more energy. There’s no energy. Let’s go!” It worked. Rybakina smacked her fifth ace and then an unreturnable serve to hold for 3-1. That reversed the momentum. Vukov also told her to hit harder and where to serve. Elena broke serve twice and won six of the last seven games after Aryna had won the five previous games.

The point is, in-match coaching can help psychologically, tactically, and technically. But should it be allowed in an individual sport requiring skill and will, and especially self-reliance?

Anisimova’s angst — “I think Amanda will win a major this year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened here,” said Paul Annacone, the astute Tennis Channel analyst, after fourth-seeded Anisimova cruised into the fourth round, where she ousted China’s Wang Shuai 7-6 (4), 6-4. In the quarterfinals, the ultra-solid, calm Jessica Pegula defeated Anisimova, 6-2, 7-6 (1), who appeared hyper-emotional throughout and occasionally on the verge of tears. Pegula took the advice of her courtside coach, Mark Merklein, to pressure Anisimova’s second serve by returning it from three feet inside the baseline. It worked, especially in the lopsided tiebreaker, when Pegula grabbed the last seven points, with the last five coming on unforced errors or serve return errors.

The pressure also paralyzed error-plagued Amanda in the Wimbledon final when Iga Swiatek blanked her 6-0, 6-0. The feel-good story of 2025 was Double A upsetting Swiatek in the US Open quarterfinals before reaching the final. But, as Tennis Channel analyst Lindsay Davenport said about Amanda’s AO defeat, “She lost this match because she lost emotional energy. She got flustered.” Anisimova should embrace pressure because, as Billie Jean King said, “Pressure is a privilege.”

Sabalenka’s gratitude — Despite Aryna Sabalenka’s frustrating three-set setbacks at Grand Slam events, she remains upbeat. Asked what her 10-year-old self would think of her now, the Belarusian star said, “It’s just a dream life. Every day, I’m grateful for what I have. I hope she would be super proud of me.” She surely would, and for another reason beyond her No. 1 ranking and four major titles. Like so many champions, Sabalenka is the epitome of dedication.

“What I love about Aryna Sabalenka is that every year she does something new to improve her game,” said Andrea Petkovic, the engaging former top-tenner and now a Tennis Channel analyst. Two years ago, it was the crosscourt forehand that she started to angle more. Last year, it was the drop shot. And this year, the serve and volley.

“Not only does she rush you with the power of her shots, but she takes the ball very early,” said Petkovic. “So she takes double the amount of time away from you to react.”

Venus’s return — Venus Williams, a comeback kid at age 45, received a wild card in singles and doubles. Venus, who last won a first-round singles match at the 2021 Wimbledon, came close against Serbian lefty Olga Danilovic when she led 4-0 in the third set. Alas, Danilovic grabbed the last four games and pulled it out 6-7, 6-3, 6-4. Venus also lost in the doubles first round. She and Russian veteran Ekaterina Alexandrova bowed 7-6 (3), 6-4 to Emiliana Arango and Elsa Jacquemot.

But what if Venus had a better partner like, say, her kid sister Serena, a mere 44 now? After all, back in the day, they combined to win 14 Grand Slam titles. And, cagily, Serena has said she never officially retired. In fact, she entered the doping protocol last year, which means the women’s GOAT is serious about a comeback and is eligible to compete in February. Need more evidence? Serena has been practicing with former pro Jessie Levine.

“It’s harder when you get older,” said all-time great Martina Navratilova, who won her last Grand Slam title at age 49 with Bob Bryan in mixed doubles at the 2006 US Open. “But if anyone can do it, it’s Serena.”

Paul Fein -- Feb. 16, 2026