Elena Rybakina Dominates Iga Swiatek to Reach Australian Open Semifinals
The fifth-seeded Elena Rybakina delivered a masterclass in serving efficiency to overpower world No. 2 Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1 on Wednesday, securing her place in the Australian Open semifinals. The 26-year-old Kazakh star, born in Moscow, showcased her fluid and effortless action to dismantle her opponent in straight sets at Melbourne Park.
Serve Dominance and Statistical Superiority
Rybakina unleashed 11 aces during the quarterfinal match, bringing her tournament-leading total to an impressive 35. Her powerful serve proved to be the decisive factor, helping her claim a commanding 89 percent of her service games. The lanky athlete's performance was a study in efficiency, with her serve doing most of the talking against the Polish world No. 2.
"The last couple of tournaments I played last season I gained some confidence through the tough matches," Rybakina revealed after her victory. "This is something I tried to carry to this year. Still, a lot of things to improve, to work on, but the most important thing is that I'm trying to stay aggressive whenever I get the chance to step in, maybe risk a little bit."
Coaching Dynamics and Form Resurgence
The victory marks another milestone in Rybakina's resurgence following a period of coaching uncertainty. In January 2025, her coach Stefano Vukov was provisionally suspended by the WTA over alleged code-of-conduct breaches, which barred him from being accredited and coaching her at tournaments. Although the world No. 5 reportedly continued working with Vukov privately while maintaining a romantic relationship with him, she relied on a second coach courtside during this period.
Following a successful appeal, the WTA lifted the suspension later in 2025, allowing Vukov to return to official tour duties. Rybakina's form surged dramatically soon after, culminating in a dominant performance at the WTA Finals last November where she ripped through the field.
During the match against Swiatek, Vukov was at courtside pushing his player, urging Rybakina to play closer to the lines against an opponent who was rushing when going for her shots.
"For me it is better that the coaches are closer, because you can hear them better," Rybakina said of the coaching pods at courtside. "It is nice to get advice, especially if something is not working for you. It was a good idea to move the coaches a little bit closer to the court."
Semifinal Showdowns and Tournament Outlook
Rybakina, who made her breakthrough with a triumph at Wimbledon in 2022, will now face American sixth seed Jessica Pegula in Thursday's semifinal. This will be her fourth appearance in a Grand Slam semifinal, demonstrating her consistency at the highest level of women's tennis.
In the other semifinal, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is set to clash with world No. 12 Elina Svitolina, promising another high-stakes showdown at Melbourne Park. The tournament continues to deliver thrilling matchups as it approaches its climax.
Junior Doubles Result
Meanwhile, in the junior girls doubles draw, India's Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi and Australian partner Renee Alame suffered a second-round defeat to Alexandra Malova and Alisa Terentyeva. The match ended with a score of 1-6, 7-5, 7-10, concluding the Indian player's campaign in the doubles event.
