Rybakina advances to Australian Open 2026 semifinals with win over Świątek

Kazakhstan’s top-ranked tennis player Elena Rybakina (World No. 5) reached the Australian Open 2026 semifinals after defeating the world’s second-ranked player, Poland’s Iga Świątek, 7-5, 6-1. Three years ago, Rybakina had already reached the semifinals and finals of the Australian major.

This was the third meeting between the players in a relatively short period. In November 2025, Rybakina defeated Świątek 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In December 2025, at the World Tennis Continental Cup in Shenzhen, China, the Pole avenged the loss, winning 6-3, 6-3.

Today’s match escalated quickly. After losing her serve in the opening game, Rybakina immediately broke back and then, in her next service game, came back from 0-40. Świątek responded in kind, making it 2-2. After that, both players held serve, but at 6-5 in Rybakina’s favor, Świątek — despite leading 30-0 — ultimately lost the game and the set.

In the second set, Rybakina’s serve became a real weapon. She also found her return, which hadn’t worked for her at the start. Securing breaks in the second and sixth games, Rybakina was unstoppable. The match finished in 1 hour 34 minutes with a 7-5, 6-1 scoreline. Rybakina outplayed Świątek in aces (11-3) and total points won (67-47).

To advance further to the finals, the Kazakhstani player will face American Jessica Pegula (6).