Aryna Sabalenka vs Elina Svitolina Highlights: Sabalenka storms into fourth straight Australian Open final with dominating win

Aryna Sabalenka does not take much time to knock out Elina Svitolina and she will now be in her fourth straight final at the Australian Open. Sabalenka did not start the match on a good note but once she got into her groove, Svitolina, like so many other players, just did not have any answers. Sabalenka wins the final game without much fuss.

Sabalenka 6-2, 6-3 Svitolina

Aryna Sabalenka remains just a game away from her fourth straight final at the Australian Open now. Elina Svitolina fought hard in this game to make it 40-40 before Sabalenka brought out two serves, both over 180kmph, and Svitolina just could not defend against them.

Sabalenka 6-2, 5-2 Svitolina

Catch one of the most brilliant shots in this match from Elina Svitolina:

Elina Svitolina has just no answers to Aryna Sabalenka’s power. Svitolina led this game before Sabalenka upped the ante and in the end Svitolina’s final serve was just not strong enough. Sabalenka returned well and then found another backhand down the ground to win the game.

Sabalenka 6-2, 4-2 Svitolina

Aryna Sabalenka is back in the lead and this time she does not even give Elina Svitolina a point in this point. Sabalenka is quickly leading this set again. Big game coming up for Svitolina who will have the serve now.

Sabalenka 6-2, 3-2 Svitolina

Another strong backhand from Sabalenka to break Svitolina for the third time in this match. After a good start, Svitolina is losing her way.

Sabalenka 6-2, 2-2 Svitolina

It seemed like the momentum was shifting towards Elina Svitolina but here comes Aryna Sabalenka to show why she is the top-ranked player right now. She is handed the game on a platter by Svitolina as she misses an easy point on the net and overhits the ball.

Sabalenka 6-2, 1-2 Svitolina

Elina Svitolina’s best game perhaps so far in this match. She lets Sabalenka win only a single point in this game and wraps it up in favour in no time.

Sabalenka 6-2, 0-2 Svitolina

Elina Svitolina has got an opening here. She was nowhere near a break point in this match since the opening game but now she gets an opportunity and Aryna Sabalenka makes a couple of unforced errors to help Svitolina take lead in the second set.

Sabalenka 6-2, 0-1 Svitolina

Aryna Sabalenka has already smashed 19 winners in the first set. Elina Svitolina is not at her best. Her forehand speeds are down 6kmph from her previous matches and backhands too are a little slower.

The second set is now underway with Sabalenka serving.

Aryna Sabalenka ruling the Australian Open semifinal right now. She breaks Elina Svitolina once again to end the first set in just 41 minutes. A cross court backhand winner from Sabalenka to wrap up the proceedings in the opener. Svitolina is definitely struggling to match her opponent.

Sabalenka wins first set 6-2

Elina Svitolina looked like she was making a comeback but Aryna Sabalenka is alert and she does not let her opponent come too close. She takes the advantage and then shuts the game up with another solid winner. Sabalenka remains a game away from winning set now.

Sabalenka 5-2 Svitolina

Huge roar for Sabalenka when her name is called out. The Belarusian world No 1 has a lot of support in the stadium. It will be a tough match for Svitolina, who is looking nervous.

2016 Australian Open winner Angelique Kerber has brought the women’s singles trophy to the court.

“The energy is just amazing here. I am happy to be back. Lot of emotions,” she says.

Meanwhile, women’s doubles pair of Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic have progressd to their first Australian Open final.

Arya Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina have played six matches so far against each other, with the former winning five of them. Svitolina has only won one match.

Svitolina’s only win over Sabalenka came in the Strasbourg Open semi-final in 2020.

It’s one of the biggest matches of her career, and Svitolina knows what’s at stake.

“It’s going to be another big challenge. Of course, I’m just one step away from the final,” she said.

On beating Gauff, the Ukrainian said: “When you play the top players, you have to find those small opportunities and be ready to take them.”