Australian Open 2026: Ukrainian Svitolina knocks out world No. 3 and makes history

Triumphant run in Melbourne

Elina Svitolina continues her impressive streak at the 2026 Australian Open.

On Tuesday, January 27, Ukraine’s No. 1 secured her place in the semi-finals with a confident victory over the world No. 3, Coco Gauff.

The match lasted less than an hour and ended in complete dominance for Svitolina – 6:1, 6:2.

This success is symbolic for Svitolina, who had previously stopped at the quarter-final stage in Melbourne three times (2018, 2019, and 2025).

Besides advancing to the next round, the victory guarantees Elina a return to the WTA top ten as early as next week – for the first time in five years.

Match overview: Svitolina’s technical superiority

The Ukrainian seized the initiative from the first minutes. Despite an initial exchange of breaks, Svitolina won five consecutive games, closing the first set in 29 minutes.

Gauff tried to change the course of the match, even several times stretching her racquet strings during play, but she could not find her rhythm.

The second set followed a similar scenario. Svitolina quickly led 3:0 and confidently maintained the advantage until the final game.

Statistical data confirms the Ukrainian’s superiority: she hit four aces and made only 16 unforced errors compared to 23 by her opponent.

Path to the semi-finals and next opponent

Svitolina’s winning streak in the 2026 season now stands at 10 matches.

On the way to the historic semi-final, she defeated Kristina Buksha, Linda Klimovicova, as well as representatives of the aggressor country, Diana Schneider and Mirra Andreeva.

In the semi-final, Svitolina will face world No. 1, neutral player Aryna Sabalenka.

Currently, Sabalenka leads their head-to-head series 5–1.