URGENT UPDATE: Elena Rybakina has just powered through Iga Swiatek, eliminating the Polish star from the Australian Open and advancing to the semi-finals with a decisive 7-5, 6-1 victory. This stunning defeat ends Swiatek’s quest for her first Australian Open title, a crucial milestone in her career.
In a match held on January 25, 2024, at Melbourne Park, Rybakina showcased her impressive form, having not dropped a set throughout the tournament. Despite being the higher seed, Swiatek struggled to keep pace with Rybakina, who is known for her powerful serve and tactical play. Rybakina blasted an impressive 11 aces, significantly raising her first-serve percentage after a challenging first set.
Rybakina’s journey to the semi-finals is noteworthy; she has now secured eight straight victories against top-10 opponents, solidifying her position as a formidable contender. “I’m really happy with the win, and happy that it was in straight sets,” Rybakina expressed post-match. “I was struggling in the first set with the serve, but overall, I managed to win in two.”
Now, Rybakina faces American Jessica Pegula in a highly anticipated semi-final showdown. Pegula reached this stage after defeating Amanda Anisimova with a score of 6-2, 7-6 (1), showcasing her own remarkable progress in the tournament. As Rybakina aims to reach her second Australian Open final, she reflects on her confidence gained from the previous season, where she clinched the WTA Finals.
For Swiatek, this loss follows a series of disappointing results, including earlier defeats to Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic. “I’m not happy with the result,” Swiatek admitted. “It was a high-intensity match. A few points made the difference.” The 24-year-old is now focusing on improvements ahead of her next tournament, hoping to regain her top form.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the upcoming semi-final clash between Rybakina and Pegula, which promises to deliver high-stakes drama. With both players vying for a place in the finals, fans can expect an electrifying match as they battle it out for the ultimate prize.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Australian Open continues to unfold.
