Aryna Sabalenka secured her spot in a fourth straight Australian Open final on Thursday night. The world number one defeated Elina Svitolina in straight sets at Rod Laver Arena.
Sabalenka needed only 76 minutes to complete the 6-2, 6-3 victory. This win extends her unbeaten run at the start of the 2026 season to 11 matches.
The Belarusian powerhouse has not dropped a single set during this tournament. She dominated the opening set with her signature aggressive baseline play.
Aryna Sabalenka claims her spot in the Australian Open Final
Dominant Performance At Rod Laver Arena
The top seed broke Svitolina early in the first set to establish control. Sabalenka hit 31 winners compared to just 12 from the Ukrainian 12th seed.
Svitolina entered the match on a 10-match winning streak after her Auckland title. However, she struggled to handle the sheer velocity of the Sabalenka serve.
- Sabalenka won 82 per cent of points on her first serve.
- The Belarusian converted four of her eight break-point opportunities.
- Svitolina managed only one break of serve during the second set.
Navigating Match Tensions
The match featured a high level of intensity from both competitors throughout the evening. A pre-match announcement informed the crowd about the lack of a post-match handshake.
Both players adhered to this protocol following the final point of the contest. Fans at Rod Laver Arena respected the request for a neutral atmosphere.
“I’m super happy with the win, she’s a really tough opponent, she was playing really incredible tennis throughout the whole week,” Sabalenka said. Her performance highlighted why she remains the favourite for the title.
Statistical Brilliance From The World Number One
Sabalenka is the third woman in the Open Era to reach four consecutive Melbourne finals. She joins the ranks of legends like Steffi Graf and Monica Seles.
Her consistency on hard courts remains unmatched in the current professional era. This victory marks her 14th career appearance in a Grand Slam semi-final.
Comparison Of Player Statistics
| Statistic | Aryna Sabalenka | Elina Svitolina |
| Aces | 5 | 2 |
| Winners | 31 | 12 |
| Unforced Errors | 18 | 21 |
| Total Points Won | 64 | 45 |
Breaking Down The Second Set
Svitolina showed resilience by breaking the Sabalenka serve in the opening game of the second set. She led 2-0 before the top seed regained her focus.
Sabalenka won six of the next seven games to seal the match comfortably. She used her forehand to dictate play and pull Svitolina across the court.
“The job is not done yet,” Sabalenka remarked during her on-court interview. She maintains a singular focus on reclaiming the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
Dominance from the No.1 👏
Sabalenka takes the first set 6-2 and is one step closer to another #AusOpen final@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/f5fnBz97Lu
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2026
Historic Path To The Final
Sabalenka has reached eight consecutive Grand Slam semi-finals on hard court surfaces. This streak demonstrates her absolute dominance on the world’s fastest courts.
She previously won the Australian Open titles in 2023 and 2024. Madison Keys ended her three-peat hopes in the 2025 final.
Key Milestones In Melbourne
- Sabalenka holds a 13-1 record in Grand Slam quarter-finals.
- She has won 22 consecutive sets in Melbourne dating back to last year.
- Her season record now stands at 11 victories and zero losses.
Impact On The Rankings
The victory ensures Sabalenka remains the top-ranked player regardless of the final result. She continues to build a significant lead over her nearest rivals.
Svitolina will return to the top ten following her impressive run to the semi-finals. This was her first semi-final appearance at the Australian Open.
“I cannot believe that [not dropping a set this tournament], but the job’s not done yet,” Sabalenka added. She appeared close to tears while reflecting on her journey.
Sabalenka maintains her top rank [WTA]
Preparing For The Championship Match
Sabalenka will face either Elena Rybakina or Jessica Pegula in the final on Saturday. Both potential opponents present unique challenges for the defending finalist.
Rybakina defeated Sabalenka in the 2023 final in a three-set thriller. Pegula seeks her first Grand Slam singles title after a consistent career.
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Tactical Considerations For Saturday
The top seed must maintain her high first-serve percentage to win the title. Her ability to control points from the first strike remains her greatest asset.
Sabalenka has worked extensively on her emotional regulation during high-pressure moments. This mental strength was evident during the brief second-set deficit on Thursday.
- The final will take place at 7:30 pm local time.
- Forecasts predict milder temperatures for the championship match.
- Sabalenka aims for her fifth career Grand Slam singles title.
Final Thoughts On The Semi-Final
The match lasted 76 minutes and showcased the peak of women’s tennis. Sabalenka effectively neutralised the defensive skills of Svitolina with raw power.
The Belarusian hit a forehand winner on her first match point to finish. She celebrated with a modest wave to the Melbourne crowd.
“I felt I had to step in and put as much pressure as I could back on her,” Sabalenka explained. She succeeded in her mission to dominate the court
