How can someone react like this?

Elena Rybakina won the Australian Open 2026 with a thrilling win over Aryna Sabalenka in the final on Saturday, January 31. However, based on her immediate reaction upon converting her first match point, one wouldn’t have guessed that she just captured her second Major title.

Rybakina’s calm and composed demeanor often stands out in contrast to her more expressive peers. She claimed the opening set against Sabalenka but the latter turned the tables on her to take the second set. Things looked bleak for the Kazakh after going down 0-3 in the decider.

However, Rybakina displayed her tenacity and swept six of the next seven games to emerge victorious. She hit an ace to seal the contest in her favor, and a mild fist pump and a smile was all that she exuded upon her triumph. Fans found that a little hilarious and endearing, and expressed their reactions on X (formerly Twitter) regarding her muted style of celebration.

“She’s hilarious lol wdym you’re doing a polite wave, you just won a slam,” wrote one fan.

“I have seen people react more on winning a point than Elena Rybakina reacted on winning the Australian Open Championship. Take a bow,” wrote another fan.

“I never get how someone can win a Grand Slam and not react at all,” chimed in another fan.

“Oh I really like her she deserves it!!! But come on she doesn’t react in the SLIGHTEST HAHAH it’s SO funny. Never change I guess Rybakina. Well done and finally!!! She deservessss ittttt,” wrote one fan.

“I want to channel Rybakina… How can someone react like this after winning the championship?? I was jumping up and down after that shot!!” wrote a fan.

Rybakina’s reserved personality hasn’t changed over the years. She reacted similarly upon winning her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon 2022. One would expect more in light of such a breakthrough but the Kazakh remained cool as a cucumber. Her victory at the Australian Open also came with a massive payday, and even that’s unlikely to elicit a more vocal response from her.

Elena Rybakina to receive $2.8 million for winning the Australian Open 2026

Elena Rybakina will earn approximately $2.88 million in light of her triumph at the Australian Open 2026. While that is a handsome sum in itself, the newly crowned queen of Melbourne earned twice the amount for winning the WTA Finals 2025.

Rybakina made $5.2 million for taking home the winner’s trophy at last year’s year-end championships. She coincidentally beat Aryna Sabalenka in the final as well. She has now amassed $27.2 million in career prize money.

Rybakina is now sixth among active players with respect to prize money earned, and 13th on the all-time list. Sabalenka leads the active players list with $47 million, while Serena Williams holds the all-time record with $94.8 million.