Aryna Sabalenka emerged victorious against Elina Svitolina, securing her place in the 2026 Australian Open Final. This match marked Sabalenka’s continued dominance over Svitolina, following five consecutive wins in their previous encounters.
Match Highlights
During the semifinal, Sabalenka displayed remarkable performance characteristics. She recorded 29 winners alongside only 15 unforced errors. Furthermore, she conceded just 11 points while serving, illustrating her commanding presence on the court.
Mental Resilience
In contrast to previous major finals, where her emotions impacted her game, Sabalenka maintained a strong mental focus throughout the match. This year, a notable incident occurred while Svitolina served at 2-1 in the first set. Sabalenka was called for hindrance by the umpire, Louise Azemar Engzell, for a disruptive grunt during a rally.
The hindrance rule addresses actions that might interfere with an opponent’s ability to play effectively. Following the umpire’s call, Engzell cited that Sabalenka “did not make the normal sound” upon hitting the ball, awarding the point to Svitolina.
Umpire Decision and Response
Despite Sabalenka’s request for a video review, she could only view the footage without audio. This complicated her ability to contest the decision effectively. Responding to the ruling, Sabalenka reacted with visible frustration, offering a sarcastic thumbs down to the umpire. However, she quickly refocused her energy.
Turning the Match
- Sabalenka broke Svitolina’s serve after the incident.
- She won four out of the next five games to clinch the first set.
- In the second set, Svitolina initially took advantage, breaking Sabalenka’s serve.
Sabalenka showcased her tenacity by breaking back immediately, saving a critical break point. Subsequently, she established a commanding 5-2 lead, eventually sealing her victory with a decisive forehand winner.
Conclusion
Aryna Sabalenka’s triumph over Elina Svitolina in the 2026 Australian Open semifinal highlights her exceptional skills and mental fortitude. As she moves forward to the final, her performance sets high expectations for her in the tournament.
