1. Short Description
Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula dominate their quarterfinals, setting up an epic Australian Open semifinal clash. Who will advance to the final? Read our full breakdown.
2. Read Time
3 minutes 30 seconds
3. Main Article
The 2026 Australian Open women’s semifinals are set, featuring a powerhouse matchup between No. 5 Elena Rybakina and No. 6 Jessica Pegula. Both players stormed into the final four with commanding straight-sets victories, showcasing the high-stakes drama that defines a Grand Slam. In a stunning display, Rybakina ended World No. 2 Iga Swiatek’s campaign, winning eight of the last nine games. Pegula, displaying remarkable poise, dismantled the dangerous Amanda Anisimova with superior second-serve execution. This marks a historic WTA Tour semifinal, as none of the four remaining players have dropped a set—a feat achieved only five times in the last three decades at a major.
For Pegula, this is her second consecutive Grand Slam semifinal, a testament to her incredible consistency and veteran savvy. She is the only woman in the Open Era to reach her first three major semifinals after turning 30. Her key to victory against Anisimova was a dominant .640 win rate on second-serve points, a critical metric she’ll aim to replicate. Pegula’s game is built on stability, patience, and a relentless drive to improve. “I’ve always been someone that doesn’t really panic,” she stated, highlighting the mental fortitude required to navigate the pressure of a major.
Conversely, Rybakina enters with crushing power and title-winning pedigree. The 2022 Wimbledon champion is riding a wave of confidence, boasting eight consecutive Top 10 wins. She leads the tournament with 35 aces, a weapon she used expertly against Swiatek. Rybakina attributes her current form to a newfound maturity, allowing her to adapt to varying conditions and “risk a little bit” at the right moments. This Australian Open semifinal is a classic clash of styles: Rybakina’s explosive, first-strike tennis versus Pegula’s resilient, error-forcing counterpunching. With a spot in the final on the line, this match promises to be a compelling battle of wills and skill.
4. Short Summary
The Australian Open semifinal pits Elena Rybakina’s formidable serve and power against Jessica Pegula’s exceptional consistency and second-serve prowess. Both are in peak form, having not dropped a set, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash. The winner moves one step closer to the season’s first Grand Slam title in a must-watch WTA Tour showdown.
