Aryna Sabalenka Makes History with Fourth Consecutive Australian Open Final Appearance
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has secured her place in the 2026 Australian Open final with a commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory over Ukraine's Elina Svitolina in the semifinals on Thursday. The Belarusian tennis star, however, remains focused on the ultimate prize, emphasizing that her historic achievement is just a stepping stone toward the championship.
Historic Milestone Achieved with Dominant Performance
With this win, Sabalenka becomes the first player since Martina Hingis in 2002 to reach four consecutive Australian Open finals, a remarkable feat that she admitted was hard to believe. "I cannot believe that, it is an incredible achievement," Sabalenka said after the match. "But the job is not done yet. I am super happy with the win, she (Svitolina) is a great opponent and was playing incredible tennis throughout the week. I am super happy to get through this tough match."
The 27-year-old showcased her aggressive style, stepping into the court to apply pressure on Svitolina. "I have been watching her game and I felt like I had to step in and put as much pressure as I could today. I’m glad that the level was there today. I am happy to get this win in straight sets," she added, highlighting her strategic approach to the semifinal clash.
Looking Ahead to the Final with a Balanced Mindset
Despite the historic milestone, Sabalenka is cautious about not getting carried away, especially after her loss to Madison Keys in the 2025 final. Reflecting on that defeat, she recalled the frustration of falling short. "I just needed … that time for myself to kind of switch off and forget and … be respectful. There definitely was a bit of frustration because I was so close to achieve something crazy. When you’re out there, you’re fighting, but it seems like everything going not the way you really want to go," she said, describing her emotional response last year.
Ahead of the final, Sabalenka plans to unwind by watching the second season of Homeland on Netflix with her boyfriend. "I am on season two of Homeland, the plan is for me and my boyfriend to finish the season! It has been forever since we started watching it and we are only on season two. First of all a little bit of a hit, [after that] it’s Netflix, maybe dinner with the team and I’m ready to go," she shared, showcasing her relaxed approach to preparation.
Past Success and Future Aspirations
Sabalenka, who won the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024, aims to reclaim the title after missing out on a three-peat in 2025. Her journey in Melbourne has been marked by resilience and determination, as evidenced by her consistent performances in recent years. The upcoming final presents an opportunity for her to add another Grand Slam trophy to her collection and solidify her status as one of the top players in women's tennis.
As she gears up for the championship match, Sabalenka's focus remains unwavering. Her ability to balance intense competition with personal downtime underscores her mental strength, a key factor in her success on the court. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if she can complete the job and lift the Australian Open trophy once again.
