Rybakina halts Swiatek’s career Slam bid to be back in semifinals in Melbourne
Elena Rybakina defeated Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1 on Wednesday to advance to the Australian Open semifinals.
Elena Rybakina, 2026 | © Zuma / PsNewz
Elena Rybakina defeated Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1 in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open to confirm her status as the ultimate “thorn in the side” of the world No 2. In a quarterfinal clash that many expected to go the distance, the 26-year-old Kazakh utilized her “easiest power” and clinical serving to dismantle the Pole in under 90 minutes.
With this victory, Rybakina reaches her first Australian Open semifinal since 2023 and secures her 32nd career top 10 win. Perhaps most impressively, she remains untouchable in Melbourne this year, having won all 10 sets she has played.
Service Dominance and Tactical Control
The match began with a nervous exchange of breaks as both players looked to find their rhythm in the afternoon heat. However, after that opening “warm-up,” Rybakina asserted total control. The fifth seed did not lose her serve again for the remainder of the match, leaning on what is widely considered the best serve in women’s tennis to neutralize Swiatek’s elite return.
While the first set was a high-stakes tug-of-war settled in the twelfth game, the second set was a one-sided display of aggressive baseline hitting.
Rybakina’s victory also carries historic weight; she is now the only player to have beaten Swiatek multiple times at a single Grand Slam event, repeating her 2023 Melbourne triumph. Her ability to rob the 24-year-old Pole of time was evident as she raced through the final five games of the match. For Swiatek, the loss is a bitter end to her quest for a Career Grand Slam, as Rybakina’s eighth consecutive win over top 10 opposition proved an insurmountable hurdle.
Cool, Calm, and Collected
Despite the high stakes, Rybakina’s “cool, calm, and collected” demeanor never wavered. Her ability to remain unbothered by scoreboard pressure has become her trademark, a trait she admits is a core part of her personality. When asked in her on-court interview if her stoic attitude on the court reflected her life away from the lights, Rybakina gave a rare glimpse into her character.
“Pretty calm outside of the court too. I can be fun too with close people. I’m trying not to show too much frustration if something is not going well. I think it’s just my character,” she noted. This mental fortitude has been the foundation of her current form, having won 18 of her last 19 matches. As she prepares for the semifinals, Rybakina looks every bit like the favorite to repeat her deep 2023 run, fueled by a serve that remains the most destructive weapon in the draw.
