After Elena Rybakina booked a quarterfinals appearance against Iga Swiatek, she knew the match was going to test her. Of course, the Pole holds a 6-5 lead in their H2H and is currently in red-hot form. However, Rybakina also knows every match is different. That’s exactly what helped her today.

The two stars have played five times last year and know each other inside out. But past results meant little to Rybakina as she played freely while also maintaining composure on her serve. Rybakina knew she had to stay aggressive all the time, and her power and fearless baseline aggression were put on display early in the match.

She disrupted Swiatek’s rhythm, forcing errors and neutralizing the Pole’s trademark consistency. Rybakina controlled the tempo in key moments, exposing rare cracks in Swiatek’s defense and proving once again why their rivalry is one of the most unpredictable on the WTA Tour. Two backhand errors from Rybakina see the Pole move ahead as she attempted to force a tie-break in the first set.

After that, the Kazakh star responded strongly by moving her opponent from left to right and back again with some strong baseline shots, inducing an error. A fiery forehand winner then leveled things for Rybakina, and Swiatek then misjudged a forehand smash off a high lob to give away the break and set point. Rybakina wrapped up the first set 7-5. However, she was less than thrilled about it. Then came the second set.

Rybakina started with a quick 3-0 lead. But then Iga Swiatek tried to pull things back on track by making it 3-1. However, Rybakina’s fiery serves (11 aces) proved to be too hot to handle for the Pole.

Within minutes, Rybakina wrapped up the second set, and the match ended at 7-5, 6-1 in one hour and 35 minutes. Interestingly, Rybakina didn’t make a single unforced error in the second set and ultimately fired down 26 winners to 10. Now, she heads to her fourth Grand Slam semifinal since 2024.

This will also be her first AO SF since 2023. This was her eighth straight win while facing Top 10 players, and guess what? Elena Rybakina is yet to drop a set in this tournament.

What did Elena Rybakina say after this incredible triumph against Iga Swiatek?

Elena Rybakina delivered one of her most commanding performances yet at the AO. She showcased her trademark power and composure, extending her red-hot run to 18 victories in her last 19 matches and claiming her eighth consecutive Top 10 win. Rybakina struck 26 winners and kept her unforced errors to just 19, 14 of which came in the opening set.

Other than a little hiccup in the early phase of this match, Rybakina has truly been impressive, winning eight of the final nine games to close out the match in emphatic fashion. Reflecting on the victory, she highlighted her tactical focus and familiarity with Swiatek’s game.

“Really pleased with the win. We know each other pretty well, and I was just trying to stay aggressive.” She also explained how the early stages of the match shaped her approach.

Top Stories

Coco Gauff Faces American Backlash After Shock Australian Open Exit: “You Embarrassed Us”

Coco Gauff Breaks Silence on Racket-Smash Moment and Why She Didn’t Want It Televised: “Let the Frustration Out”

Learner Tien Makes Firm Call After Question on Donald Trump Surfaces at Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz Shows Class as Chair Umpire Draws Heavy Boos in Alex de Minaur’s Australian Open Match

“I feel like in the first set for both of us, the first serve was not really working, so just trying to step in on the second serve and put pressure on each other. I think in the second set I just started to play more freely and served better.”

In her on-court interview, Elena Rybakina once again impressed fans with her trademark calm demeanor. When asked about her cool and collected attitude, she offered a glimpse into her personality off the court.

“Pretty calm outside of the court, too. I’m trying not to show too much frustration if something is not going well. I think it’s just my character.”

With this win, Elena Rybakina leveled her H2H record with Iga Swiatek at 6-6. Now, she awaits the winner of the all-American clash between Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula as she chases her third Grand Slam singles final. If her current form is any indication, Rybakina looks more than ready to take the final steps toward another major title.