Pegula sets up Australian Open semi against Rybakina as Swiatek crashes out

Second seed Swiatek is stunned by Rybakina in straight sets while Pegula makes short work of her compatriot Anisimova.Published On 28 Jan 2026Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula will clash in the semifinals of the Australian Open after knocking out pre-tournament favourites Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova, respectively.Reigning Wimbledon champion and second-seeded Swiatek, who was seeking a career Grand Slam with a win at Melbourne Park, was stunned by Rybakina in straight sets on Wednesday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Australian Open 2026: All to know about the first tennis Grand Slamlist 2 of 3Yin-yang of tennis: ‘Sincaraz’ rivalry back in focus before Australian Openlist 3 of 3Naomi Osaka’s outfit, entrance and win headline Australian Open day threeend of listThe 7-5, 6-2 win for the 2022 Wimbledon champion gives her a chance to win her second Grand Slam, while crushing Swiatek’s dreams of lifting the one Slam trophy that has eluded her despite six major titles.Rybakina has made the Melbourne final once before, in 2023, when she lost in three tough sets to Aryna Sabalenka.The 26-year-old fifth seed took her latest victory in her stride, saying a calmer mindset helped in the heat of battle.“In the beginning, when it’s the first final and you go so far in a tournament, of course you are more emotional,” said Rybakina.“Now I feel like I’m just doing my job, trying to improve each day. So it’s kind of another day, another match.”Rybakina fired 11 aces ⁠and 26 winners at 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.”Swiatek struggled with her serve throughout the contest, and the world number two said that was something she needed to ‌improve on in the coming months.“I didn’t serve as well ⁠as in Cincinnati, for example, against Elena. My serve was kind of normal and sometimes it could have given me a bit more,” Swiatek told reporters.