Jennifer Capriati makes special appearance at 'Australian Open'

Jennifer Capriati made a notable return to centre stage at the 2026 Australian Open on Saturday, Jan. 31, where she played a key role in the women’s singles trophy presentation following a dramatic championship match at Rod Laver Arena.

Capriati, a former world No. 1 and two-time Australian Open champion (2001 and 2002), presented the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup to Elena Rybakina after the Kazakhstani star defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the final.

According to People, Capriati, who has largely stayed out of the public eye since retiring from professional tennis, said she was “honored to be back” at the Grand Slam event and described her visit to Melbourne as “surreal” amid scenes of celebration and competition. 

Moreover, the former American champion, who enjoyed her own Grand Slam success in the early 2000s, reflected on her memories of playing in the tournament and the special place it holds in her career.

As per the outlet, Rybakina’s victory marked her second major title and a significant moment of redemption after falling short in the 2023 Australian Open final against Sabalenka. 

The 26-year-old’s composed performance and comeback in the decisive set, rallying from a 0-3 deficit to clinch the title, was widely praised and capped a memorable week of high-level tennis in Melbourne.