Sabalenka vs. Svitolina – Australian Open 2026 Semifinal Match Review

Aryna Sabalenka produced another authoritative performance at Rod Laver Arena, defeating Elina Svitolina 6–2, 6–3 in today’s Australian Open semifinal. According to match stats, the Belarusian’s aggressive baseline game, combined with timely serving and relentless pressure, proved too much for the resilient Ukrainian.

While Svitolina had moments of resistance—particularly early in the second set—Sabalenka controlled the match by dictating with her forehand and forcing errors at key stages.

First Set: Sabalenka Takes Control Early (6–2)

According to match stats, the opening set set the tone for the entire semifinal. Sabalenka came out swinging, holding serve confidently in the first game with multiple forehand winners, immediately signaling her intent to play on the front foot.

Although Svitolina managed to level the score at 1–1, the momentum quickly shifted. Sabalenka’s backhand started firing clean winners, and her ability to step inside the baseline forced Svitolina into rushed replies. Several backhand unforced errors from Svitolina began to appear as rallies grew shorter and more intense.

From 2–1, Sabalenka reeled off a commanding run of games. Match stats show that she consistently won points either outright with winners or by drawing forced errors, especially targeting Svitolina’s backhand wing. The Belarusian broke serve twice in quick succession, stretching the score to 5–2.

The set ended decisively at 6–2, sealed by a strong return game in which Sabalenka mixed forehand winners with pressure-induced mistakes from Svitolina. The numbers reflected a clear pattern: Sabalenka was winning the majority of short rallies and controlling exchanges whenever she took the initiative.

Second Set: Svitolina Fights, Sabalenka Responds (6–3)

The second set began with a brief resurgence from Svitolina. According to match stats, she cleaned up her timing early and took advantage of a few Sabalenka errors to move ahead 2–0, including a confident service game featuring a backhand winner.

However, that momentum didn’t last long.

Sabalenka responded immediately, raising her level both on serve and return. Her service games became increasingly efficient, highlighted by service winners and first-strike forehands that prevented Svitolina from settling into defensive rallies.

From 2–2, Sabalenka again took control of the scoreboard. Match stats show that Svitolina struggled to protect her serve under pressure, with double faults and forced errors creeping in during crucial points. Sabalenka capitalized, breaking serve to move ahead 4–2, then consolidating with another strong hold.

Svitolina showed her trademark resilience by holding for 3–5, but the gap was already too wide. Serving for the match at 5–3, Sabalenka stayed composed, closing the contest with a mix of forehand winners and a decisive service winner to seal victory in straight sets.

Key Match Themes

Several clear trends emerged from the numbers:

• Forehand dominance: Sabalenka repeatedly finished points with her forehand, especially in pressure moments.
• Forced errors under pressure: Svitolina was pushed into numerous forced errors as Sabalenka took time away from her.
• Strong serving in key games: Sabalenka’s ability to hit service winners late in both sets helped her shut the door quickly.
• Mental control: Whenever Svitolina threatened, Sabalenka responded immediately with aggressive holds or breaks.

Match Key Statistics

Statistic	Aryna Sabalenka	Elina Svitolina
Aces	0	2
Double Faults	1	3
Winners	29	12
1st Serve In	67%	56%
Break Points Won	4/7 (57%)	1/4 (25%)
Total Points Won	65	46

What It Means

With this 6–2, 6–3 win, Aryna Sabalenka books her place in the Australian Open 2026 final, continuing her impressive run in Melbourne. According to match stats, her combination of power, controlled aggression, and improved consistency makes her a formidable opponent heading into the championship match.

For Elina Svitolina, the semifinal run remains a strong result, but today’s stats underline how difficult it is to absorb sustained pressure from Sabalenka when she’s striking the ball this cleanly.

One match remains—and if Sabalenka maintains this level, the final promises fireworks.