India, Jan. 31 -- Aryna Sabalenka seemed to be working hard to put on a smile for the cameras as she held up the runner-up shield. Standing next to her was Elena Rybakina, holding the glistening Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup. The Kazakh had every reason to keep grinning ear to ear.

But even at the trophy presentation ceremony to crown the Australian Open women's singles champion, the two showcased their vastly different personalities.

There is Sabalenka, the world No.1 who never shies away from letting her emotions show on court. And then there is Rybakina who remains stony-faced even in the best of times. The winning shot itself elicited only a smile and a half-raised hand.

On Saturday, at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park, the 15th...