Aryna Sabalenka advanced to her fourth straight Australian Open final after a commanding performance against Elina Svitolina in Thursday’s semi-final at Melbourne Park - a matchup that many viewed as a defining moment in the women’s singles draw.
The world No. 1 from Belarus displayed her trademark power and precision, easing past Svitolina 6-2, 6-3. Sabalenka’s victory not only underlines her status as a dominant force in women’s tennis but also keeps her dreams of a third Australian Open crown alive.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Commanding Display
From the opening game, Sabalenka set the tone, dictating rallies with deep, forceful groundstrokes and aggressive serving that repeatedly put her Ukrainian opponent on the defensive. The top seed broke early and never looked back, closing out the match in straight sets.Sabalenka’s run to the final continues a remarkable run of consistency in Melbourne. Having lifted the trophy in 2023 and 2024, she was stopped at the last hurdle in 2025 — and is now intent on reclaiming the title she missed out on last year.
Elina Svitolina’s Inspiring Journey
Svitolina’s path to the Australian Open semi-final was one of the tournament’s standout stories. The 12th seed, returning to top-level Grand Slam competition after maternity leave and mental health breaks, carried strong momentum into her clash with Sabalenka.While she could not overcome Sabalenka’s relentless pace, her presence in the semi-finals — including a commanding win over Coco Gauff — highlighted her resilience and tactical savvy under pressure.
Historical Context & What Comes Next
Sabalenka’s latest win places her in elite company. Reaching four consecutive finals at the Australian Open is a rare feat in the Open era, previously achieved only by a handful of women.She will now await the winner of the Jessica Pegula vs. Elena Rybakina semi-final, as both players bring distinct strengths to their clash. Pegula’s consistency and Rybakina’s booming serve and big-match experience set up an intriguing potential final opponent.
Beyond the Court
Sabalenka and Svitolina’s rivalry also carried a symbolic weight, given ongoing geopolitical tensions. Svitolina, like many Ukrainian players, opted not to shake hands with Sabalenka before and after the match — a gesture reflecting her personal stance amid broader global issues.But on the court, it was Sabalenka’s baseline dominance and tactical clarity that ultimately carried the day.