Thunderous applause echoed through Rod Laver Arena as Aryna Sabalenka crushed Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3, storming into her fourth consecutive Australian Open final and keeping her title defense dreams alive.
The world No. 1’s semifinal masterstroke lasted barely an hour, fueled by a serve that won 67% of first balls and 79% of seconds in play. Svitolina, valiant throughout the event, wilted under the barrage, her own serve yielding just 56% and 50%, marred by three double faults. Sabalenka snatched four breaks from seven points, conceding only one, and claimed 65 total points to 46.
This emphatic win propels Sabalenka toward Saturday’s showdown with the Rybakina-Pegula winner, offering sweet revenge for her 2023 final defeat to Madison Keys. The two-time champ’s path has been paved with power, positioning her as the tournament’s juggernaut.
Courtside, Sabalenka beamed: ‘What an incredible feeling, though the job’s not over. Elina’s been phenomenal this whole tournament – a real challenge. I studied her game and went full throttle. Delighted with my level and the clean sweep in sets.’
Sabalenka’s Melbourne mastery – now four finals running – cements her as the queen of the hard courts here. With momentum surging, she’s not just chasing history; she’s rewriting it. Tennis world holds its breath for what promises to be an electrifying final.