Elena Rybakina delivered a statement after defeating Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open. The Kazakh capitalised on a critical moment in the first set to seize the momentum and advance to the semi-finals in Melbourne, where she now awaits her next opponent between Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova.
The Kazakh managed to overcome early problems with her serve and secured an emphatic victory, winning eight of the final nine games played. Rybakina is now just one step away from the final, where she will face the winner of the all-American showdown scheduled for the night session.
The Kazakh continues the impeccable form she has carried since the end of 2025, reaching 18 wins in her last 19 appearances, in addition to her ninth straight top-10 victory. Swiatek, meanwhile, exits the Australian Open in the quarter-finals and remains without another major title needed to complete the Career Grand Slam.
Rybakina capitalises late to take tight opening set
Rybakina began by dropping her opening service game. She landed just one of her first five first serves, and Swiatek claimed an early break following a forehand mistake from her opponent. The Pole failed to capitalise on the early advantage, and Rybakina quickly recovered the break.
Both players found greater stability in the following games, holding serve without major trouble. As the set progressed, it was Rybakina who — despite a lower first-serve percentage — held her service games more comfortably. On the other side, Swiatek struggled when rallies were extended and suffered particularly when Rybakina attacked with down-the-line backhands, targeting Swiatek’s forehand, which was not as incisive as it usually is.
Rybakina maintained the pressure until moving ahead 6–5, and when it seemed the set would head into a tie-break, Swiatek conceded a couple of break points. Rybakina then claimed the set after a Swiatek unforced error on a cross-court forehand.
Rybakina dominates as momentum swings decisively
Rybakina had seized control of the match and began the second set solidly on serve, before earning a break to love following a poor service game from Swiatek. The six-time major champion won just 50% of points on her first serve and 17% on her second, finished with nine unforced errors compared to five from Rybakina, and produced only three winners against her opponent’s 13.
Swiatek managed to hold just one of her service games, and Rybakina secured a double break to move ahead 5–1. Serving for the match, the former Wimbledon champion sealed the victory with an ace. Rybakina closed out the win after one hour and 35 minutes and firmly establishes herself as a title contender at the Australian Open with a 7–5, 6–1 victory.
The 2023 finalist now awaits her next opponent, to be decided in the second match on Rod Laver Arena between Americans Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova — the only Americans still in the draw following the quarter-final eliminations of Coco Gauff and Iva Jovic.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
