Elena Rybakina booked her place in the Australian Open 2026 final after defeating Jessica Pegula in straight sets in the second semi-final at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday, January 29.
The Kazakh star registered a 6-3, 7-6 (7) win to reach her second Australian Open final, where she will face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Rybakina began the contest in commanding fashion, breaking early to race to a 3-0 lead in the opening set as Pegula struggled to find her rhythm. She maintained control to close out the first set comfortably and looked well on course for a routine victory early in the second.
However, Pegula mounted a late resistance, breaking Rybakina when the match appeared all but over. That momentum swing proved brief, as Rybakina responded immediately to move within a point of sealing the match.
The American refused to relent, earning another break to force a tie-break, where both players traded blows in a tense, evenly matched battle. Rybakina ultimately kept her composure at the crucial moments, edging the tie-break to seal her place in the final.
Sabalenka reaches fourth straight final
Rybakina will now take on Aryna Sabalenka in the final on January 31, renewing their rivalry from the 2023 Australian Open final, where the Belarusian prevailed in three sets. The world No. 5 will be aiming for revenge against the top seed.
Earlier on Thursday, Sabalenka powered into her fourth consecutive Australian Open final with a dominant 6-2, 6-3 victory over Elina Svitolina. The world No. 1 needed just one hour and 16 minutes to wrap up the match, underlining her formidable form heading into the championship clash.
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