Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elina Svitolina to reach her fourth consecutive Australian Open final. Sabalenka is yet to drop a set, and she said: “I cannot believe that, that’s an incredible achievement but the job is not done yet. Svitolina, who was supported from courtside by husband Gael Monfils, could probably have done without the hindrance that umpire Louise Azemar Engzell called against Sabalenka at the start of the fourth game. Aryna Sabalenka struck 29 winners (Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP)Engzell ruled that Sabalenka, who is known for her loud grunting, had called out after she had hit the ball, giving the point to Svitolina. Sabalenka called for a video review but the original decision stood and, fuelled by apparent rage, the four-time grand slam singles champion promptly broke serve.

Source: Irish Examiner January 29, 2026 22:43 UTC