Sabalenka sweeps Svitolina to fourth straight Australian Open final
World number one Aryna Sabalenka powered into her fourth consecutive Australian Open final after defeating Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 in the semi-final on Thursday in Melbourne, continuing her dominant run at the tournament. The Belarusian advanced through sheer power and composure despite brief flashes of tension.
Sabalenka, unbeaten in sets this year and now on an 11-match winning streak, overcame a controversial hindrance call early in the first set before taking full control. She struck 29 winners, dropped just 11 points on serve, and broke Svitolina repeatedly to dictate play.
“I cannot believe that,” Sabalenka said after the match. “It’s an incredible achievement, but the job is not done yet.” Reflecting on last year’s final defeat, she added that she is determined to be “braver this time.”
Svitolina, who had eliminated two top-10 players en route to the semi-finals, admitted Sabalenka’s intensity was decisive. “She gave me no rhythm today,” the Ukrainian said.Sabalenka will face Elena Rybakina or Jessica Pegula in Saturday’s final as she chases a fifth Grand Slam title and a third Australian Open crown