Australian Open 2026: Elina Svitolina defeats Coco Gauff and beats Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals

Aryna Sabalenka continued her quest for a third Australian Open title in four years with a dominant quarter-final win over youngster Iva Jovic – but third seed Coco Gauff was beaten 59 minutes by Elina Svitolina.

World number one Sabalenka said her mentality was “the cup or nothing” after beating rising American star Jovic 6-3, 6-0.

The 27-year-old Belarusian has a positive 5-1 head-to-head record against Svitolina – but she will be wary after the Ukrainian beat Gauff 6-1 6-2.

A desperate Gauff served five double faults, committed 26 unforced errors, scored only three winners, and smashed her racket in the players’ box after the loss.

Sabalenka, a four-time major singles champion, has qualified for the semifinals in 14 of the last 17 tournaments she has participated in.

She became only the third player to reach consecutive singles semi-finals at a Grand Slam in 38 years, after Lindsay Davenport and Martina Hingis.

“I think what I was able to achieve is incredible,” Sabalenka said.

“What really helps me with being there all the time is the focus I have.

“Focusing on the right things definitely helps a lot with consistency.”