Australian Open 2026: Rybakina Ends Swiatek’s Grand Slam Hopes

Elena Rybakina delivered a commanding performance on Day 11 of the 2026 Australian Open, dismantling world No. 2 Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1 to book her place in the tournament’s semi-finals at Melbourne Park. The victory marks a major milestone in Rybakina’s season and halts Swiatek’s bid to achieve the elusive career Grand Slam.

The Kazakh fifth seed showcased a blend of precision, power and tactical intelligence throughout the match. In a contest that lasted just over 90 minutes, Rybakina proved unrelenting, ultimately winning eight of the last nine games. Although the first set was tightly contested, Swiatek initially broke serve and held her nerve early. However, Rybakina pulled ahead by capitalising on key moments and seizing crucial breaks late in the set.

Rybakina’s aggressive strategy paid dividends, particularly in the second set, where she seized momentum quickly. A faster pace, combined with a series of winners and aces, allowed her to dominate proceedings and put Swiatek under constant pressure. The Kazakh’s improved serve - an element she highlighted as pivotal after the match - helped her control points and move into advantageous positions regularly.

Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion and perennial favorite in major tournaments, struggled to maintain consistency after the first set. Despite her early breakthrough and formidable reputation on hard courts, the Polish star was unable to sustain her level as Rybakina’s aggressive baseline play and controlled offense took center stage. Swiatek’s serving woes contributed to unforced errors and limited break opportunities.

The defeat is particularly significant for Swiatek, who had entered the tournament with hopes of becoming one of the few women in tennis history to complete a career Grand Slam, a feat that demands titles at all four major events. With her run now ended in the quarter-finals, that ambition will have to wait.

For Rybakina, the win underscores her status as one of the tour’s most formidable competitors. The Australian Open 2026 marks her fourth Grand Slam semi-final appearance further cementing her consistency at the highest level of the sport. Her focus now turns to the semi-final clash, where she will face either American sixth seed Jessica Pegula or fellow American Amanda Anisimova. Both players have enjoyed strong runs in Melbourne, with Pegula seeking her first major final.

Rybakina’s ascent in the Grand Slam reflects her recent strong form, highlighted by high-level wins over top-10 opponents and dominant performances across multiple surfaces. Her combination of height, reach, and serve strength has consistently troubled opponents, particularly on hard courts where pace and timing are critical.

As the women’s draw narrows toward the championship rounds, Rybakina’s powerful quarter-final showing sends a clear warning to her remaining rivals: she is a serious contender for the 2026 Australian Open title. With her semi-final matchup looming, tennis fans around the world will be watching to see if she can sustain her momentum and pursue a spot in the final.