In a display of sheer power and precision, Aryna Sabalenka dismantled Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 in the Australian Open women’s semifinals, punching her ticket to an unprecedented fourth straight final on Thursday evening at Rod Laver Arena.
The top seed’s match was a masterclass in dominance from the opening game. Sabalenka’s booming serves – converting 67% on first delivery and 79% on seconds – overwhelmed Svitolina, who could only muster 56% and 50% respectively. The Ukrainian star, bidding for a deep run amid her nation’s challenges, faltered with three double faults and converted just one of four break chances against her.
Sabalenka capitalized ruthlessly, breaking serve four times from seven opportunities and piling up 65 points to Svitolina’s 46 in the swift 60-minute encounter. Her aggressive style left no room for error, turning what could have been a tense battle into a procession.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka awaits the victor from Elena Rybakina vs. Jessica Pegula in Saturday’s championship clash. It’s an opportunity to avenge her 2023 final heartbreak against Madison Keys and add to her two previous titles here. Post-match, the world No. 1 reflected: ‘This is huge, but I’m not satisfied yet. Svitolina played brilliantly all tournament; I knew I had to pressure her non-stop. Happy with the straight-sets win and my tennis today.’
Sabalenka’s streak now stands at four finals in as many years at Melbourne, a testament to her adaptation and mental fortitude. Tennis experts predict another high-octane final, with Sabalenka favored to lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup once more.