Aryna Sabalenka came up with her best tennis today and ousted Elina Svitolina 6-2 6-3 to reach the Australian Open final and end the Ukrainian's perfect start to 2026.
In the first game of the match, the Belarusian faced two consecutive break points but avoided going down by an early break. After overcoming an early trouble, the top seed dominated the rest of the first set and broke the No. 12 seed in the fourth and eighth games.
Down by a set, Svitolina bounced back briefly by claiming her first break of the match and going 2-0 up in the second set. However, the No. 12 seed's lead was short-lived as Sabalenka stormed back by taking the next five games before closing out the match on her serve in the ninth game.
It is worth mentioning that during the match Sabalenka was called for hindrance. The four-time Grand Slam champion wasn't happy about it, but the call remained.
Aryna Sabalenka received a hindrance call from the umpire during her match against Elina Svitolina at the Australian Open.
Aryna requested video review.
The umpire says that she made a noise in the middle of the point after her initial grunt.
“You went ‘UH – AYA’… you… pic.twitter.com/6QoJP1i2b9
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 29, 2026
The Belarusian was aggressive throughout, finishing with 29 winners, 18 unforced errors. Also, she converted four of her seven break point chances.
On the other side, Svitolina had just 12 winners and also blasted 17 unforced errors. Going into the match, the Ukrainian – who won Auckland in the first week of 2026 – had been 10-0 on the year.
Who is Sabalenka's Australian Open final rival?
By beating Svitolina, the 27-year-old made her fourth consecutive final at Melbourne Park.
Now, Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula are set to enter Rod Laver Arena for their semifinal clash. Sabalenka awaits the winner of the match.
Sabalenka is now one win away from winning her third Australian Open title.
