A seismic shift rocked the Australian Open 2026 quarterfinals as Elena Rybakina obliterated world No. 2 Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1, eliminating the Pole in emphatic fashion on Rod Laver Arena.
Lasting 93 minutes, this 12th head-to-head saw shaky starts with breaks exchanged freely. Rybakina, though, thrived under pressure, snatching the first set 7-5 after clawing back from danger.
The second set belonged entirely to Rybakina, who dominated with eight straight games at one stretch. Swiatek’s serve betrayed her at 49% first in, while Rybakina was nearly untouchable, dropping just 12 points on eight services.
Tying their record at 6-6, this win caps Rybakina’s purple patch: 18 victories from 19 since October, including eight top-10 triumphs.
Fresh off 2022 Wimbledon glory, Rybakina eyes the semis against Anisimova or Pegula, poised for a third Slam final bid. Swiatek’s premature departure spotlights ongoing challenges in high-stakes hard-court battles.