Elena Rybakina delivered a commanding performance at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, sweeping past World No. 2 Iga Świątek in straight sets to secure her spot in the Australian Open 2026 semifinals.
The fifth-seeded Kazakhstani, who had somewhat flown under the radar in the earlier rounds, made a resounding statement with her 7-5, 6-1 victory. By blending relentless aggression with raw power, Elena Rybakina not only halted Iga Świątek’s quest for a career Grand Slam but also signaled her own intent to lift the trophy.
A Tense Opening Battle
The match began with both players struggling to find their rhythm on serve, leading to an exchange of early breaks as they settled into their 12th career meeting. Iga Świątek, aiming to dictate play early in the rallies, found moments of success but couldn’t shake Elena Rybakina’s persistence.
The turning point came late in the first set. At 5-5, Elena Rybakina elevated her game, firing off back-to-back aces and a piercing backhand winner. Although she faced a set point during a brief wobble, the Kazakhstani held her nerve. A crucial unforced error from Iga Świątek two points later allowed Elena Rybakina to clinch the first set after an hour of high-stakes tennis.
Elena Rybakina Finds Her Rhythm
With the first set in hand, Elena Rybakina visibly relaxed, finding a dangerous groove in the second. She broke early to take a 3-0 lead as her serve—a key weapon in her arsenal—began to fire consistently. While Iga Świątek attempted to mount a resistance, she ultimately couldn’t withstand the sustained pressure coming from the other side of the net.
Elena Rybakina closed out the match with her 11th ace, completing a victory that looked increasingly inevitable as the second set wore on.
“We know each other pretty well and I was just trying to stay aggressive,” Elena Rybakina commented after the match. “In the first set for both of us, the first serve was not really working, so we tried to step in on the second serve and put pressure on each other. In the second I just started to play more freely and served better.”
History Repeats for Iga Świątek
For Iga Świątek, the loss marks another frustrating exit at Melbourne Park, the only major tournament where a title still eludes her. Despite her dominance on the tour over the last few years, she was unable to counter Elena Rybakina’s firepower when it mattered most.
This result continues Elena Rybakina’s recent dominance over top-tier opponents. It was her second consecutive win over the Polish star, following a victory at the WTA Finals last season. Elena Rybakina now looks ahead to a semifinal clash with sixth seed Jessica Pegula, carrying significant momentum into the final stages of the tournament.
Saurabh is a passionate tennis content writer and lifelong fan of the game. Whether it’s Grand Slam showdowns or under-the-radar rising stars, Saurabh brings the court to life with sharp analysis, breaking news, and deep-dive features. When they aren’t covering matches, you can find them practicing their topspin forehand or debating who is the GOAT over coffee. Do you enjoy tennis? Then you are in the right place.
