Fifth seed Elena Rybakina booked her place in the Australian Open semi-finals on Wednesday with a dominant second-set display to hand six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek a 7-5 6-1 defeat at Melbourne Park.
Looking to lift the trophy for the first time, the 28-year-old will take on American Jessica Pegula for a place in Saturday’s final.
Rybakina fired 11 aces and 26 winners as she ended Swiatek’s career Grand Slam bid on Rod Laver Arena, winning eight of the last nine games to underline her authority.
‘Really pleased with the win,’ said Rybakina. ‘We know each other pretty well and I was just trying to stay aggressive.
‘I feel like in the first set for both of us the first serve wasn’t working so we were trying to step in on the second serve to put pressure on each other.
‘I think in the second I just started to play more free, serve better and I’m really happy with the win.’
Swiatek had made a quick start, breaking Rybakina in the opening game as she punished the Kazakh’s second serve but the number two seed failed to consolidate, immediately surrendering her advantage.
Both players held serve until the final game, when Swiatek fired into the net to give Rybakina the opening set after almost an hour’s play.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Your trusted source for breaking news, in-depth analysis, and comprehensive coverage of today's most important stories.
Get daily updates on breaking news, exclusive interviews, and special features delivered to your inbox.
Have a news tip or want to get in touch with our editorial team? We're here to help.
Plot C3-C Jaypee Wishtown Sector 129 Noida Uttar Pradesh 201304 India