The women’s draw at the Australian Open 2026 has reached its most decisive stage, with a blockbuster semifinal on the cards. World No.1 and top seed Aryna Sabalenka will take on Ukraine’s in-form star Elina Svitolina at the iconic Rod Laver Arena.
Sabalenka is chasing a fourth straight Australian Open final, while Svitolina is aiming to reach her first-ever Grand Slam final. With both players unbeaten in the tournament so far, this semifinal promises high intensity and contrasting styles.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Elina Svitolina Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Aryna Sabalenka vs Elina Svitolina |
| Round | Women’s Singles Semifinal |
| Date | Thursday, January 29, 2026 |
| Venue | Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne |
| Local Time (AEDT) | Around 7:30 PM (Night Session) |
| IST (India) | Around 2:00 PM |
| GMT | Around 8:30 AM |
| ET (USA) | Around 3:30 AM |
Aryna Sabalenka: Current Form & Strengths
Sabalenka has been the most dominant player of the tournament so far. The 27-year-old Belarusian has not dropped a single set and arrives at the semifinal with a perfect 10–0 record in 2026.
She cruised past her quarterfinal opponent in straight sets and has relied on her trademark power game—big serving, flat groundstrokes, and aggressive returns. Sabalenka has reached the Australian Open final in each of the last three seasons, winning the title twice, which underlines her comfort on Melbourne’s hard courts.
Her ability to dictate rallies early and win points quickly has made her extremely difficult to challenge this fortnight.
Elina Svitolina: Momentum & Confidence
Svitolina has quietly built one of the strongest campaigns of her career in Melbourne. The 31-year-old Ukrainian is also yet to lose a set and stunned the tennis world with a dominant quarterfinal win over Coco Gauff.
After winning the Auckland title earlier this year, Svitolina has carried that confidence into the Australian Open. Her movement, depth on returns, and improved attacking intent have stood out. Since returning from maternity leave, she looks physically sharp and mentally refreshed.
This semifinal marks her first Australian Open semifinal appearance and her fourth at a Grand Slam overall.
Also see: Top 10 Hottest Female Tennis Players in 2026
Aryna Sabalenka vs Elina Svitolina Head to Head Record
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Meetings | 6 |
| Sabalenka Leads | 5–1 |
| Hard Court Meetings | Sabalenka leads 2–0 |
| Last 4 Matches | Sabalenka won all |
| Svitolina’s Only Win | 2020 (Clay Court) |
Key Matchup: Power vs Consistency
This semifinal is a classic contrast in styles. Sabalenka brings raw power and first-strike tennis, while Svitolina thrives on consistency, movement, and forcing errors. Indoor conditions may favor Sabalenka’s serve and baseline aggression, but Svitolina’s ability to absorb pace and extend rallies could test the world No.1.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Elina Svitolina Prediction
Based on current form, surface history, and head-to-head record, Sabalenka enters as the favorite. Her experience in Australian Open semifinals and finals gives her a clear advantage in pressure moments.
Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka to win in straight sets, though Svitolina is capable of pushing at least one tight set if she maintains her level.
This semifinal carries major stakes. Sabalenka is chasing history in Melbourne, while Svitolina is playing for a long-awaited breakthrough at a Grand Slam. One player brings dominance, the other belief and momentum. Will experience prevail, or can Svitolina deliver the upset of the tournament? Tennis fans are set for a high-quality showdown under the lights in Melbourne.
