• World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka meets Elina Svitolina in the Australian Open semi-final.
  • Sabalenka seeks a third Melbourne title in four years and a fourth straight AO final.
  • Svitolina is into her first Australian Open semi at 31 and is aiming for her first grand slam final.
  • Later: Elena Rybakina faces Jessica Pegula for the second spot in the final.

H2: Sabalenka aims to extend Melbourne dominance

Aryna Sabalenka arrives at Rod Laver Arena with momentum and history. The world number one is targeting a third Australian Open title in four years and a fourth straight final in Melbourne — a run that underlines her consistency at the sport’s first major. Sabalenka admitted earlier in the tournament she has worked on her mental game with a sports psychologist after coming close but falling short in past finals.

H3: Early match rhythm — Sabalenka holds nerve

The opening exchanges on semi-finals day were tight. Sabalenka saved break points to hold the opening game and settled into a strong serving display, moving into a narrow lead in the early games. Her dominance from the back of the court and aggressive forehand winners have been key to her progression through the draw.

H2: Svitolina bringing a changed game

Elina Svitolina, 31, is playing in her first Australian Open semi-final after a return to the tour following the birth of her daughter in 2022. Known earlier in her career as a defensive specialist, Svitolina has adopted a more aggressive tactic since her comeback — looking to take the initiative and strike early. She has not beaten Sabalenka since 2020, so finding a way to control points and capitalise on short balls will be crucial.

H3: Milestones and context

This semi-final day carries historic weight: it marks only the fifth time in the Open era that all four women at a Grand Slam reached the last four without dropping a set, the previous occurrence at a major being 1995. It’s been 56 years since that happened at the Australian Open. Two of those unbeaten runs must end across today’s semis.

H2: What to watch — keys to victory

For Sabalenka: maintain serve, cut down on unforced errors and stay emotionally focused under pressure. Her speed and power have been decisive at Melbourne, but tight moments will be decided by mental composure.

For Svitolina: seize early opportunities to take the initiative, vary pace and avoid long rallies that allow Sabalenka to dictat e the tempo. Svitolina’s improved aggression and court positioning are her best path to a breakthrough.

H2: Second semi-final — Rybakina v Pegula

Following Sabalenka v Svitolina, Elena Rybakina will face Jessica Pegula. Rybakina, a 2022 Wimbledon champion, and Pegula, aiming for her first major title, produce a contrasting match-up of big-serving aggression versus controlled baseline play.

H4: How to follow live

Live radio commentary is available on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds (UK only). For full match coverage, check the tournament scoreboard and live updates on the official Australian Open and BBC Sport feeds.

Short, decisive moments will shape who reaches Saturday’s showpiece in Melbourne — Sabalenka’s experience and power versus Svitolina’s renewed aggression makes this a semi-final to watch.

Image Referance: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/live/cy40x9012g2t