Elena Rybakina produced a dominant display to defeat world number two Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1 in the Australian Open quarter-finals, ending the Pole's hopes of a career Grand Slam this year. The fifth seed will now face Jessica Pegula for a place in the final.
Rybakina, the 2023 runner-up in Melbourne, showcased her devastating power game, particularly on serve. Despite landing only 41% of first serves in the opening set, she won 93% of points behind it. After a tight first set, she broke Swiatek in the 12th game before running away with the second set, firing aces and hitting winners off both wings with ease.
The victory levels the head-to-head between the two at 6-6, highlighting one of the most significant rivalries in women's tennis. Swiatek admitted after the match that she needs to make changes to her game, particularly her serve, and plans to adopt a lighter schedule to allow time for improvement.
Rybakina's semi-final opponent, Jessica Pegula, advanced with a 6-2, 7-6 (1) win over Amanda Anisimova. The American sixth seed has reached her third Grand Slam semi-final without dropping a set in the tournament. Pegula's composed game and superb serving have been key, but she faces a tough test against Rybakina's powerful ball-striking.
