BREAKING: Elena Rybakina has stunned the tennis world by defeating Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1 in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Australian Open, effectively ending Swiatek’s quest for her first title at this Grand Slam. This decisive victory not only marks Rybakina’s eighth consecutive win against top-10 players but also cements her status as a top contender moving forward.
Rybakina, the fifth seed, showcased her powerful serve, firing off 11 aces and improving her first-serve percentage significantly after a closely contested first set. “I’m really happy with the win, and happy that it was in straight sets,” Rybakina stated post-match. “I was a bit struggling in the first set with the serve, but overall, happy that I managed to win in two.”
The match, held on January 25, 2024, saw intense competition, especially in the first set, where both players fought hard. However, Rybakina’s confidence from last season, where she triumphed at the WTA Finals, propelled her to victory. She now advances to face American Jessica Pegula, who is also riding high after defeating Amanda Anisimova to reach her first semi-final here.
For Swiatek, this loss continues a troubling trend, with only one victory in her last seven encounters against top-10 rivals. “I’m not happy with the result,” said the 24-year-old Polish star. “It was a high-intensity match. The first set was tight, and in the second set, she improved her serve and was going for the shots.”
This defeat follows earlier setbacks for Swiatek, including losses to Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic at the United Cup. As she faces the challenge of regrouping, she expressed her determination: “I know what I need to improve, and it’s kind of the same stuff that I had in my mind before the tournament. I’m just going to keep doing my job.”
In the other quarter-final, Pegula continued her remarkable journey at the Australian Open by defeating Anisimova 6-2, 7-6 (1). Pegula, who has made significant strides in her career, is now set to become a major force in women’s tennis. Her victory over defending champion Madison Keys in the fourth round further emphasizes her readiness to compete at the highest level.
As the semi-finals approach, all eyes will be on Rybakina and Pegula, both aiming for a spot in the final. With Rybakina’s powerful game and Pegula’s steady progress, the upcoming matches promise to deliver thrilling tennis action.
Stay tuned as we continue to cover this developing story and provide updates on the Australian Open, where every match could redefine the landscape of women’s tennis.
