Aryna Sabalenka is through to a fourth consecutive Australian Open final, where the world No 1 will face fifth seed Elena Rybakina in a rematch of their 2023 final on Saturday.
Sabalenka defeated Elina Svitolina in straight-sets and will have the chance to regain her Australian Open crown, following last season’s shock defeat to Madison Keys, after an impressive 6-2 6-3 win against the Ukrainian.
Rybakina followed Sabalenka’s victory by defeating Jessica Pegula, the sixth seed, 6-3 7-6 (9-7) to advance to her first grand slam final in three years. Like Sabalenka, the big-serving former Wimbledon champion is yet to drop a set this fortnight, but she had to battle over the line after Pegula saved three match points and twice broke back when Rybakina served for the final to force the second-set tiebreak.
Sabalenka’s victory over Rybakina in the 2023 final was an instant classic and was the first of the Belarusian’s four grand slam titles. But Rybakina has found her best form since then, and defeated Sabalenka in a stunning display to win the WTA Finals in November.
Yesterday, Novak Djokovic admitted he got “extremely lucky” as Lorenzo Musetti retired injured from their Australian Open quarter-final while two sets up, sending the 38-year-old through to another semi-final showdown with defending champion Jannik Sinner.
Follow latest score updates from the Australian Open, below
Australian Open latest scores and updates
- Australian Open final set as Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina book rematch
- World No 1 defeat Elina Svitolina 6-2 6-3 to move to fourth straight Australian Open final
- Former runner-up Rybakina defeats Jessica Pegula 6-3 7-6 (9-7) to return to final
- Sabalenka and Rybakina met in 2023 final, with Sabalenka winning instant classic
- Novak Djokovic sent through to Australian Open semi-finals as Lorenzo Musetti retires
- Djokovic set for another Jannik Sinner showdown as defending champion beats Ben Shelton
Elena Rybakina on facing Aryna Sabalenka again in Australian Open final
12:21 , Jamie Braidwood“It was a great battle [three years ago]. I think in the end she played a bit better. Se won that match, very deserved. I just want to enjoy it, that's for sure, and hopefully I'm gonna serve better than today. I'm so excited to play.”
Elena Rybakina after reaching Australian Open final: 'It was such a battle'
12:18 , Jamie Braidwood”It was such a battle. It was an epic second set and I'm really glad that I managed to win it. Jessica played so well in the second set, she fought until the end. I'm just super happy to be in the final.
“It was really, really stressful. I had an epic tiebreak here a couple of years ago, I lost it. and a little flashback came, you know. I'm super happy that in the end it it turned my way and looking forward to play on Saturday.
“I’m pretty proud that, no matter the situation, I was leading, and then of course it was very tight, I still stayed there. I was fighting for each point. Actually, the match started really well, also comparing the previous matches I played. So overall it's a lot of positives to take.”
Australian Open final set as Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina book rematch
12:13 , Jamie BraidwoodThree years on, Elena Rybakina is back in the Australian Open final, where she will face the woman who beat her that day in the world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Their three-set battle in 2023 was an instant classic, and changed so much for Sabalenka. That was her first grand slam title, and she returns now as the dominant No 1 and four-time grand slam champion.
Rybakina has not been in a major final since then but she is coming back into her best form. She beat Sabalenka in the WTA Finals in November in a brilliant performance, showing she can beat the No 1.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Elena Rybakina 6-3 7-6 (9-7) Jessica Pegula
12:07 , Jamie BraidwoodRybakina’s serve delivers to save the second set point and get it back to 7-7.
Just in time, Rybakina blasts the ace and it brings up a fourth match point! But it’s on Pegula’s serve
Rybakina this time makes sure and blasts the backhand return down the line!
A great fight from Pegula, but Rybakina showed her strength there to close it out when it got nervy.
It will be Sabalenka v Rybakina in the final, a rematch of their 2023 classic.
TIEBREAK! Jessica Pegula 3-6 6-6 Elena Rybakina
12:04 , Jamie BraidwoodPegula continues to scrap, refusing to go down from 4-2 down! Rybakina continues to show some nerves, firing wide on the backhand.
She is bailed out by a big serve down the middle. But then Pegula finds a brilliant angle on the backhand and slams the over head.
Pegula will have set point! But Rybakina responds by finding her forehand strike. Pegula had no chance and it remains tight at 6-6 in the breaker.
TIEBREAK! Jessica Pegula 3-6 6-6 Elena Rybakina
11:58 , Jamie BraidwoodPegula with an outstanding effort on the opening point, but the mini-break swings back to Rybakina after a couple of errors. Rybakina then blasts the forehand winner to move 4-2 ahead at the change of ends.
BREAK! Jessica Pegula 3-6 6-6 Elena Rybakina
11:55 , Jamie BraidwoodThis has been an admirable fight from Pegula, and Rybakina continues to show nerves as she balloons a forehand long! 30-30.
Pegula attacks the Rybakina forehand and comes out on top in the exchange! She brings up another break-back point.
Pegula nets on the forehand but gets another opportunity as she attacks the second serve and fires her way through.
Wow! Rybakina goes long again and Pegula continues to survive. She scraps into a tiebreak.
BREAK! Jessica Pegula 3-6 5-6 Elena Rybakina*
11:48 , Jamie BraidwoodGutting for Pegula! Rybakina holds up her hands after clipping the net-cord, then follows it up with a forehand winner. Pegula continues to struggle on serve, and Rybakina breaks straight back as she outlasts her on the rally. Pegula cracks her racket behind the baseline.
Rybakina will get a second opportunity to serve for the final.
BREAK! *Jessica Pegula 3-6 5-5 Elena Rybakina
11:44 , Jamie BraidwoodOh wow. Pegula rips a forehand winner down the line, then stuns Rybakina with a backhand return winner.
0-30 and suddenly Rybakina has to overcome a charging Pegula in order to close this out.
Rybakina does what she does best and finds two first serves. Pegula then on the first, but the second is an ace.
But Rybakina then nets! And then, on break point, Rybakina blasts long on the forehand!
Pegula breaks back after saving three match points!
Jessica Pegula 3-6 4-5 Elena Rybakina*
11:40 , Jamie BraidwoodRybakina set up a third match point with a belting forehand crosscourt winner, but then fires long.
Pegula hangs on. She holds, but now needs to break the massive weapon of Rybakina’s serve.
Three match points saved, though. Could that be a turning point?
*Jessica Pegula 3-6 3-5 Elena Rybakina
11:38 , Jamie BraidwoodWhat an impressive return game this has been from Rybakina, with return winners fired into the corners, and a backhand error wide from Pegula after Rybakina fought from the baseline brings up match point.
Pegula saves, but Rybakina is so solid at the other end of the court and is making her play the extra ball. A second match point will follow. That was a chance for Rybakina! It sat up nicely, but she blasts the forehand long.
*Jessica Pegula 3-6 3-5 Elena Rybakina
11:32 , Jamie BraidwoodRybakina moves a game away from getting another shot at Sabalenka. She proved in her dismantling of the World No 1 in the WTA Finals title match that she has the game to beat Sabalenka. If Sabalenka could have picked one opponent to avoid, it probably would have been her.
*Jessica Pegula 3-6 2-4 Elena Rybakina
11:24 , Jamie BraidwoodRybakina’s second-serve points percentage has dipped in his second set, falling to 25 per cent, but the first serve remains pretty untouchable. She moves two games away.
BREAK! Jessica Pegula 3-6 2-3 Elena Rybakina*
11:21 , Jamie BraidwoodJust what Pegula couldn’t afford! Rybakina immediately breaks back, almost taking the American off her feet with a deep backhand return on break point.
BREAK! *Jessica Pegula 3-6 2-2 Elena Rybakina
11:17 , Jamie BraidwoodJust what Pegula needed! After getting to 30-30 for the second return game in a row, Rybakina misfires on the backhand long to bring up break point. Pegula finds depth on the return, good direction on the forehand, and gets the break as Rybakina goes wide on the backhand.
BREAK! Jessica Pegula 3-6 1-2 Elena Rybakina*
11:12 , Jamie BraidwoodRybakina scrambles to reach a Pegula strike to her left, but Pegula can’t put the volley away. Instead, Rybakina finds the backhand down the line.
Break point, but Rybakina’s return is devastating! It’s fired past Pegula before she can adjust. The American slams her racket.
*Jessica Pegula 3-6 1-1 Elena Rybakina
11:07 , Jamie BraidwoodFor the first time, Pegula is able to get her teeth into a Rybakina service game on 30-30. But the fifth seed comes through it with a big wide serve on game point, followed by the forehand error. So destructive.
FIRST SET! *Jessica Pegula 3-6 Elena Rybakina
10:58 , Jamie BraidwoodRybakina has not landed an ace yet and has made 50 per cent of first serves.
But it has still been the dominant weapon, winning 78 per cent of all service points.
And the 2023 runner-up is one set away from a return to the Australian Open final as she puts away a forehand winner.
Just one break in it, right back at the start of the set in Pegula’s opening game.
*Jessica Pegula 2-5 Elena Rybakina
10:52 , Jamie BraidwoodRybakina, winning over 80 per cent of her service points, moves a game away from the first set.
Since the quarter-finals, there have been five straight-sets wins in a row in the women’s draw.
At the moment, Rybakina looks in complete control and heading to make it six.
Jessica Pegula 2-4 Elena Rybakina*
10:47 , Jamie BraidwoodPegula is looking pretty helpless right now, asking her box what she has to do. These conditions are suiting Rybakina’s flat strike perfectly.
But Pegula recovers to save two break points and keep within touching distance.
Jessica Pegula 1-3 Elena Rybakina*
10:42 , Jamie BraidwoodPegula’s team are advising her to hit a flatter, more powerful serve, as she tries to adjust to the heavier conditions of the night session. Pegula has mostly played during the day so far.
She gets the hold, but Rybakina has found her range quickly and is on the attack in the opening stages.
*Jessica Pegula 0-3 Elena Rybakina
10:36 , Jamie BraidwoodPegula guides a forehand winner to get to deuce but Rybakina quickly closes the door with her wide serve. Pegula nets with her fifth unforced error of the match already.
BREAK! Jessica Pegula 0-2 Elena Rybakina*
10:31 , Jamie BraidwoodRybakina, who has fired more aces than anyone in the women’s draw through to the semi-finals, cruises through her opening game to love.
Pegula then immediately comes under some pressure in her first service game - but swats away a ball in frustration after finding the net on break point.
A flat start from Pegula and a big blow to go down an early break to such a strong server.
Jessica Pegula 0-0 Elena Rybakina*
10:25 , Jamie BraidwoodRybakina will serve to start the second semi-final.
Jessica Pegula faces Elena Rybakina in her first Australian Open semi-final
10:18 , Jamie BraidwoodAt 31, Jessica Pegula is through to her first Australian Open semi-final, as she gave herself credit for staying persistent.
“The way I think about the game, I honestly think it's different than a lot of people, and I think that's my strength,” she said.
“So I think especially over the last couple of years I've kind of leaned into what my strengths are, and that is stability and my mental toughness and my ability to stay calm out there on the court and kind of just lean into that and kind of own that.”
She will now be looking to “crack the code” against the big-serving Rybakina.
“It's going to be really tough. Anyone that serves like she does, she's always going to be in the match. Not just serve, but return and from the ground. You know, it's not like she can only serve. She has a pretty well-rounded, all-around power game.”
Elena Rybakina eyes return to Australian open final
10:17 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s been three years since Elena Rybakina lost to Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final, but the former Wimbledon champion is in her best form since then.
The fifth seed has won eight consecutive matches against top-10 players, a run that started at last season’s WTA Finals, and which includes her quarter-final victory over Iga Swiatek.
“I think probably now I'm more calm and going deeper in tournament,” she said when asked what she has learned in the time since her last grand slam final in 2023.
“In the beginning, when it's the first final and you go so far in the tournament, of course you are more emotional. Now I feel like I'm just doing my job, trying to improve each day. So it's kind of another day, another match.”
Jessica Pegula v Elena Rybakina up next
10:16 , Jamie BraidwoodSo, will Aryna Sabalenka have a rematch of the 2024 US Open final against Jessica Pegula? Or a rematch of the 2023 Australian Open final against Elena Rybakina?
Rybakina, runner-up to Sabalenka in 2023, takes on Pegula, who like Svitolina is on the hunt of a first major title.
Rybakina continued her strong form from last season’s WTA Finals by ending Iga Swiatek’s career grand slam bid, while Pegula beat Amanda Anisimova.
Sabalenka praises Elina Svitolina after Australian Open run
10:14 , Jamie BraidwoodA tough defeat for Elina Svitolina, hit off the court by Sabalenka today. A first grand slam final remains out of reach after a fourth defeat in a the semi-finals, but she can look at this tournament positively after beating Mirra Andreeva and Coco Gauff to return to the world’s top 10.
“She's played great tennis, she's back in the top 10 as well,” Sabalenka said. “She beat two top 10 opponents on the way to the semi-finals. I've been watching her game, she was playing incredible against Mirra, against Coc, overall throughout the tournament, and I felt like I had to step in and and and and put as much pressure as I could back on her and I'm glad that the level was there today.
“I played great tennis and I'm happy to get this win in straight sets.”
Aryna Sabalenka emotional after reflecting on fourth straight final
10:10 , Jamie BraidwoodSabalenka is told she is just the second player to reach four straight Australian Open finals, after Martina Hingis.
”I just I cannot believe that, honestly. That’s an incredible achievement, but the job not done yet. Super happy with the win, she's such a tough opponent, was playing really incredible tennis throughout the whole week. Just super happy to be through this tough match.
”I would never think that I would be able to, first of all, make it to the top 10, and secondly, to be that consistent and be able to play on such a big arenas in front of you all and feel all the support. It's just a dream life, and every day I'm grateful for everything I have.”
Dominant Sabalenka through to fourth straight Australian Open final
10:03 , Jamie BraidwoodSabalenka’s stats in Melbourne are just silly. She’s through to a fourth straight final without dropping a single set. She’s had her eyes on the title ever since last year’s shock defeat to Madison Keys. That’s her only loss in Melbourne in her last 27 matches, to 26 wins.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 6-3 Elina Svitolina
10:01 , Jamie BraidwoodA fourth straight Australian Open final for Aryna Sabalenka!
A big serve down the middle brings up match point and Sabalenka fires the forehand winner past Svitolina, once again on the back foot, as the World No 1 powers through.
There’s no handshake between the players, as expected, before Sabalenka blows kisses to the crowd. She moves a win away from regaining her Australian Open crown.
*Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 5-3 Elina Svitolina
09:57 , Jamie BraidwoodSvitolina forces Sabalenka to serve it out. She decides to mix up her approach on serve and moves to 40-0. Sabalenka gets a couple back, but then puts the backhand return long.
Over to Sabalenka.
Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 5-2 Elina Svitolina*
09:54 , Jamie BraidwoodA chance for Svitolina as she finds the backhand return winner down the line, but Sabalenka holds on and saves the break point with another winner, her 27th of the match.
She moves a game away from a fourth consecutive final.
BREAK! *Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 4-2 Elina Svitolina
09:48 , Jamie BraidwoodMassive hitting from Sabalenka and Svitolina up and down the court but it’s Svitolina who blinks first on the forehand after a 14-shot rally. For the first time, Svitolina shows some frustration as she is taken to deuce.
It’s followed by a double fault from Svitolina, which brings up break point. Once again, Sabalenka finds a stunning return. It sets up the backhand down the line, which Sabalenka crushes for another winner to move a double-break ahead.
Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 3-2 Elina Svitolina*
09:42 , Jamie BraidwoodThe difference is Sabalenka’s serve since her first title in Melbourne three years ago is incredible. It’s so reliable now, with no danger of double faults. She holds to hold to move ahead in the second set.
*Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 2-2 Elina Svitolina
09:40 , Jamie BraidwoodTurns out, that was probably just a little blip from Sabalenka. A booming forehand return into the corner brings up two break points. Massive hitting from Sabalenka, working Svitolina to the side, then guiding the backhand into the open court. She breaks back.
Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 1-2 Elina Svitolina*
09:36 , Jamie BraidwoodSabalenka gets back to work with a string of first serves, followed by big forehand strikes. She holds to love as Svitolina pushes long on the volley.
* Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 0-2 Elina Svitolina
09:35 , Jamie BraidwoodSvitolina backs up the break, with the sort of point she simply was not wining in the first set, reaching to pick up a scorching Sabalenka forehand and finding the return.
Svitolina takes the game with a dead net-cord, which rather sums up how the mood has switched.
BREAK! Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 0-1 Elina Svitolina*
09:33 , Jamie BraidwoodWhere did that come from! Svitolina breaks to start the second set! Sabalenka was 30-15 up and looked to be in control, but Svitolina found the backhand return winner. That’s followed by a forehand error from Sabalenka, a groan, and then another error down break point.
Sabalenka gives a sarcastic thumbs up to her box. Svitolina gets the spark she needs.
FIRST SET! *Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 Elina Svitolina
09:29 , Jamie BraidwoodA dominant set from the World No 1 - with 19 winners to 10 unforced errors, compared to seven winers and nine unforced errors from the Svitolina racket.
Svitolina finished the set with just 50 per cent points won on serve. That has been the big difference, with Sabalenka up at 66 per cent.
FIRST SET! *Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 Elina Svitolina
09:26 , Jamie BraidwoodA game that sums up the opening set, as Sabalenka attacks Svitolina off the return and brings up three set points.
Sabalenka takes it with a magnificent backhand winner, flashed crosscourt, and moves a set away from the Australian Open final.
Svitolina drops a set for the first time this fortnight, and will now need to end the run of straight-sets victories in the women’s tournament with a comeback.
Aryna Sabalenka 5-2 Elina Svitolina*
09:21 , Jamie BraidwoodSuddenly, some encouragement for Svitolina as she takes on the forehand return down the line, then picks off Sabalenka as she comes into the net.
On deuce, she wasn’t too far away from the backhand pass as Sabalenka advanced. But Sabalenka comes through it as Svitolina’s backhand return sails long.
*Aryna Sabalenka 4-2 Elina Svitolina
09:17 , Jamie BraidwoodSvitolina is winning just over 50 per cent of her service points - Sabalenka is able to neutralise the opening shot immediately.
The World No 1 is playing an aggressive game while still only making to nine unforced errors to 15 winners, three of which have been off the return.
Svitolina survives, though, with an ace out wide on game point.
Aryna Sabalenka 4-1 Elina Svitolina*
09:10 , Jamie BraidwoodA huge chance for Svitolina after guiding a backhand winner down the line, passing Sabalenka as she advanced to the net to get to 15-30.
Svitolina then finds another good angle on the return, the short ball sits up nicely above the net but Svitolina puts the drop shot into the net when it was begging to be blasted down the line!
Svitolina goes long - will she come to regret that?
BREAK! *Aryna Sabalenka 3-1 Elina Svitolina
09:06 , Jamie BraidwoodSvitolina is struggling to hang on as Sabalenka continues to go after the second serve and take over the point.
Sabalenka thunders the forehand return crosscourt, then punches the winner into the opposite corner. On break point, Svitolina is again forced onto the back-foot by the return.
Sabalenka breaks! She comes through that hindrance call in the opening point to break her opponent for the first time.
Aryna Sabalenka 2-1 Elina Svitolina*
09:02 , Jamie BraidwoodSabalenka does not manage to win her argument, as she continues to mutter to the umpire. There is a pointed comment towards her after winning the very next point - as Sabalenka maintains there was “no difference” between grunts.
Svitolina dips to make an incredible pick-up winner - but Sabalenka then crushes the second-serve return to get to deuce.
Aryna Sabalenka 2-1 Elina Svitolina*
08:58 , Jamie BraidwoodOh, Sabalenka has been called for a hindrance! She ballooned a forehand after Svitolina landed it deep onto the baseline. Thinking it was sailing out, Sabalenka groaned. Except, it landed in. The umpire has called her out for it.
Sabalenka has called for a video review!
Aryna Sabalenka 2-1 Elina Svitolina*
08:56 , Jamie BraidwoodSvitolina has come out swinging, taking the returns to Sabalenka. But the world No 1’s serving has been solid through the first couple of games, not giving Svitolina second serves to look at.
*Aryna Sabalenka 1-1 Elina Svitolina
08:53 , Jamie BraidwoodA solid hold from Svitolina, overcoming a double fault and surviving a second serve on 30-30 as Sabalenka wound up her backhand return, but sent it long.
Sabalenka is looking to chip and disrupt the rhythm but Svitolina gets up to the ball to put it away.
Aryna Sabalenka 1-0 Elina Svitolina*
08:48 , Jamie BraidwoodSvitolina comes into this semi-final fresh from causing Coco Gauff’s game to malfunction in the quarter-finals and she immediately forces Sabalenka into a tricky spot on her first return, direct and deep.
A couple of errors from Sabalenka bring up two break points; Sabalenka saves both with brilliant winners whipped into the corners on the backhand.
Sabalenka finds first serves from deuce, and that is an impressive hold from 15-40 down.
Aryna Sabalenka v Elina Svitolina
08:39 , Jamie BraidwoodAll four women’s semi-finalists have yet to drop a set so far this tournament: Sabalenka is the first top seed this decade to reach the semi-finals without dropping a set, along with Serena Williams and Ash Barty.
At the coin toss, as expected, Svitolina and Sabalenka do not get their photo taken together, as is usually custom. Warm-ups are underway.
Aryna Sabalenka v Elina Svitolina
08:36 , Jamie BraidwoodElina Svitolina bids for a first grand slam final during a time where her home country Ukraine continues to face invasion. The 31-year-old has used her platform as the country’s top player to “bring a light” and positive news for her people. She also refuses to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian opponents - so there will not be a handshake between Svitolina and Sabalenka today.
“Of course, for my country, it's great. I know that lots of people been watching, especially the matches that I had before,” Svitolina said before the semi-finals. “It's very close to my heart to see a lot of support from Ukrainians, and lots of people also get to know tennis in Ukraine, which is great, because.... one of the toughest winters for Ukrainian people and without electricity and everything.
“So I feel like bring this light, a little light, you know, even just positive news to Ukrainian people, to my friends when they are watching my matches. It's great feeling for me.”
Serena Williams refuses to rule out tennis return in awkward exchange
08:25 , Jamie BraidwoodSerena Williams refused to rule out a return tennis during an awkward exchange on the Today Show.
The 23-time grand slam champion has not played competitive tennis since the US Open in 2022, announcing that she would be “evolving away” from the sport, rather than using the word “retirement”.
There was speculation in December that she had re-entered the International Tennis Integrity Agency's (ITIA) registered testing pool, which all players must be signed up to for at least six months before playing competitively.
Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner to lock horns again at Australian Open
07:58 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic said he will have to bring his “A-game” as he faces another Australian Open showdown with defending champion Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th grand slam title looked to be over as he trailed Lorenzo Musetti by two sets in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, but the 38-year-old was “extremely lucky” to progress as the Italian retired with a right leg injury.
Having lost to Sinner in each of their last five meetings, including in three grand slam semi-finals, Djokovic will need to improve if he is to end the second seed’s 19-match winning run at Melbourne Park. Sinner returned to the semi-finals with a straight-sets win over Ben Shelton.
Sinner will be bidding to set up a fourth grand slam final in a row against his rival Carlos Alcaraz, who plays third seed Alexander Zverev in the first semi-final on Friday.
Sinner ended Djokovic’s 33-match winning run at the Australian Open by beating the 10-time champion in the 2024 semi-finals, and they are set for another showdown in Melbourne.
Novak Djokovic v Jannik Sinner start time and how to watch Australian Open semi-final
Novak Djokovic gives injury update on ‘biggest concern’ facing Australian Open bid
07:36 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic was pleased to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open without any “major” physical issues as he issued an update on a troublesome foot blister ahead of his showdown against Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic admitted he was “extremely lucky” to survive his quarter-final meeting with Lorenzo Musetti, as the Italian retired from the match due to a leg injury while leading 2-0 in sets.
It was another boost for Djokovic as the 38-year-old bids to win a record 25th grand slam title and become the oldest Australian Open champion of all time, although he will be the underdog against defending champion Sinner on Friday.
Novak Djokovic gives injury update on ‘biggest concern’ facing Australian Open bid
Elina Svitolina eyeing grand slam breakthrough at Australian Open
07:25 , Jamie BraidwoodAt the age of 31, Elina Svitolina is through to the Australian Open semi-finals for the first time, having lost her three previous appearances.
Overall, if Svitolina wins today, she would reach her first grand slam final at her 48th appearance, which would be the third-most appearances before reaching a grand slam final in history.
“I don't really look that far ahead. I try to take the match as it is. It's going to be another big challenge.
“I'm a step away from the final, but it’s important to focus on my recovery, on my tactical things that I have to work on. Just be ready for big challenge.
“Now I have the experience from previous years. Of course, I cannot not give myself credit from what I achieved years ago, because winning the WTA Finals, playing against great players at that time, and also playing semi-finals, for me, still was a great achievement.
“I think without that achievement, I wouldn't be who I am right now.”
Lorenzo Musetti devastated by Australian Open retirement: ‘There are no words’
07:14 , Jamie BraidwoodA devastated Lorenzo Musetti said he had “no words” to describe his disappointment after he was forced to retire from his Australian Open quarter-final against Novak Djokovic while two sets up.
The 23-year-old Italian looked on course for the biggest win of his career as he deservedly led Djokovic 6-4 6-3, but the fifth seed was struck down by a right leg injury that became more painful in the third.
Lorenzo Musetti devastated by Australian Open retirement: ‘There are no words’
Aryna Sabalenka bids for fourth Australian Open final in a row
07:02 , Jamie BraidwoodAryna Sabalenka is one win away from a fourth consecutive Australian Open final. The world No 1 has shown remarkably consistency in reaching an eighth consecutive grand slam semi-final on a hard court.
Sabalenka has won all three matches she has played against Svitolina since the Ukrainian returned to the tour as a mother in 2023.
“I think every player when they get to the tournament is trophy or nothing. The mentality is the same, and it's always in the back of your mind that obviously you want to win it.
“But I'm trying to shift my focus on the right things and taking it step by step and just trying my best in each match, each point, each game, each set. That's my mentality.”
Today's order of play
07:01 , Jamie BraidwoodAustralian Open order of play
Day Twelve - Thursday 29 January
Rod Laver Arena
8:30 AM GMT
Aryna Sabalenka [1] vs. Elina Svitolina (UKR) [12]
followed by
Jessica Pegula (USA) [6] vs. Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [5] T
Good morning
07:01 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s women’s semi-final day at the Australian Open as Aryna Sabalenka bids to return to a fourth straight final at Melbourne Park,
The world No 1 has been in dominant form as she seeks a third title in four years, following last season’s shock defeat to Madison Keys.
After impressive wins over teenagers Victoria Mboko and Iva Jokic, Sabalenka now faces the experience of Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina.
Svitolina is fresh from demolishing Coco Gauff in the quarter-finals, and has the chance to advance to her first grand slam final at the age of 31.
In the other semi-final, Elena Rybakina, runner-up to Sabalenka in 2023, takes on Jessica Pegula, who like Svitolina is on the hunt of a first major title.
Rybakina continued her strong form from last season’s WTA Finals by ending Iga Swiatek’s career grand slam bid, while Pegula beat Amanda Anisimova.
