But that’s just about all from me today, it’s been a lot of fun having your company as we watched Elena Rybakina (5) and Jess Pegula (6) advance through to the final four of the women’s singles.
Be sure to check back later this evening, where we’ll be bringing you all the action on a evening set to be highlighted by Ben Shelton (8) looking to upset the applecart and bundle Jannik Sinner (1) out in the quarterfinals.
I’ve been Joey Lynch, thanks for your company.
While both Pegula and Anisimova landed approximately 60% of their first serves in that one, the former was able to take 70% of those points compared to the 58% of the latter. Pegula also won 64% of her second serves, compared to the 39% logged by the frustrated Anisimova.
The older American also sent down six aces to two across the match, while logging just two double faults to seven. Tellingly, she only made 21 unforced errors compared to her opponent’s 44, too.
Pegula came to play and WIN 🤩
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2026
First #AusOpen semifinal for the American!@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/T9Bkl4ThmG
So, for the first time in her career, Pegula is through to the final four at the Australian Open -- the ghosts of three straight quarterfinal exits between 2021 and 2023 now exorcised.
She’s been to the final and semifinals of the US Open in recent years and now will have a chance to knock off Elena Rybakina (5) in the coming days. The two have met six times previously – the ledger split evenly between them.
Melbourne breakthrough 💥 @JPegula pic.twitter.com/lrCuuYPUUk
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2026
Updated
Jess Pegula advances to the Australian Open semifinals
Jessica Pegula (6) 7-6 (7-1) 6-2 Amanda Anisimova (4) Both Americans hold serve at the start of the tiebreak before Pegula secures a mini-break that makes it 3-1 following another unforced error from Anisimova.
A frustrated Anisimova spanks the court with her racquet after sending a backhand into the net to make it 5-1 and then screams at her coaching pod when she sends a backhand long. The dam holding back the frustration has well and truly cracked.
An unreturnable serve from Pegula brings up five match points as the serve goes back to Anisimova but she only needs one: the younger American firing a forehand into the net to fall in the last eight.
Jessica Pegula* (6) 6-6 6-2 Amanda Anisimova (4) Yet despite all the unforced errors and double faults, Anisimova can still hit a tennis ball really well, and she breaks back to bring up a tie break.
Pegula takes the first point but Anisimova responds to the pressure with a big overhead smash to level. Pegula responds by getting to the net and smashing an overhead winner of her own to move back ahead.
But a double fault from Pegula, just her second of the match, brings it level once more and Anisimova then brings up a break point. A forehand from Pegula then goes long, sending us to a tiebreak.
It’s clear from the frustrated way that she’s carrying herself that Anisimova’s not in the same zone as Pegula. Beyond her mounting double faults, she’s committed 41 unforced errors to Pegula’s 18.
Updated
Jessica Pegula (6) 6-5 6-2 Amanda Anisimova* (4) After taking the first point, Anisimova double faults – with her second fault flying all the way into the coach’s pod. Yikes.
She recovers to land her next first serve and make it 30-15 and then moves it to 40-15 when an attempted sliced forehand by Pegula can’t clear the net. Yet another double fault allows Pegula back into the service game and it’s then deuce when Pegula works the point really well and is rewarded when Anisimova launches a forehand into the net.
A third double fault of the service game brings up break point – Anisimova now has seven to Pegula’s one – but she survives, frustration nonetheless evident on her face after the point, after a forehand error from Pegula. Keying in on a second serve, Pegula smashes a forehand return winner to bring up another break point and then takes it when Anisimova sends a backhand into the net.
Pegula can now serve for a place in the semifinals.
Jessica Pegula* (6) 5-5 6-2 Amanda Anisimova (4) Anisimova takes the first point at the end of a long baseline battle – her ball striking just a level above her opponent’s on that exchange – but Pegula answers back with a really nice forehand winner.
Anisimova sends a forehand return wide and long to fall behind and then can’t get a handle on a serve sent down the T as Pegula brings up 40-15. The younger American forces Pegula to stretch and send a baseline forehand long to keep the game alive but another good serve induces a long return and seals a calm hold of serve.
Jessica Pegula (6) 4-5 6-2 Amanda Anisimova* (4) Aaaaaaaannnnnd the breakthrough that Anisimova worked so hard for is instantly wiped away, as Pegula breaks straight back.
Pegula takes the first point and while Anisimova answers back initially, she follows that with unforced errors that give her opponent two break points. After a lengthy battle on the baseline, Anisimova sees off the first when Pegula lifts a shot long but a double fault then follows.
That’s got to be dispiriting for the 24-year-old; the question now is will that mental blow carry over?
Jessica Pegula* (6) 3-5 6-2 Amanda Anisimova (4) After the two Americans exchange points to start things, Anisimova races ahead and brings up two break points – an opening to break this match back open. Pegula saves the first but cannot see off the second, opening the door for the younger American to serve for the second set.
Jessica Pegula (6) 3-4 6-2 Amanda Anisimova* (4) A double fault from Anisimova makes it 15-15 but she responds with a big serve down the T and follows that up by getting forward and, after Pegula committed one way, smashing a forehand winner behind her. A backhand from Anisimova then forces Pegula into an error that makes it 40-15 and while she drags a backhand wide on the next exchange, she then secures the hold when Pegula lifts a backhand long.
Jessica Pegula* (6) 3-3 6-2 Amanda Anisimova (4) The duo exchange points to start off the game, before a powerful serve down the T from Pegula allows her to gradually get forward and eventually force Anosimova to fire into the net with an attempted passing shot.
A forehand into the net by Pegula levels things but she’s back ahead when Anisimova misses a backhand winner and instead puts the ball out. The hold is then secured when Anisimova sends a forehand long.
Jessica Pegula (6) 2-3 6-2 Amanda Anisimova* (4) Another hold is produced by Anisimova, not quite the quick hold to love she had last game but still a comfortable one sealed when Pegula sends a forehand return into the net.
Jessica Pegula* (6) 2-2 6-2 Amanda Anisimova (4) It’s not a hold to love but Pegula produces a regulation hold of her own. The onus isn’t on her to produce something special now and you can see the level of comfort and confidence she’s playing with.
Jessica Pegula (6) 1-2 6-2 Amanda Anisimova* (4) A much more regulation hold for Anisimova and it was one she probably needed as she looks to steady and build a platform to get back into the match. She holds to love in this one.
Jessica Pegula* (6) 1-1 6-2 Amanda Anisimova (4) No such drama for Pegula in her first service game, the confidence of the first set carrying over as she moves to a 40-0 lead. A really well-placed forehand return sets Anisimova up to drag a point back but Pegula shuts her down as, after seeing off some bigging hitting baseline shots, she watches Anisimova send another shot into the net.
Jessica Pegula (6) 0-1 6-2 Amanda Anisimova* (4) It looked plenty dicey at times, but Anisimova eventually secures the hold and prevents another early break.
After taking the first two points she sends a forehand into the net and then, after a good return from Pegula, whips a backhand wide. She then double faults to bring up break point but brings it back to deuce with an important backhand winner – letting loose with a big “c’mon!” in response. A further two break points are saved by Anisimova as the pressure mounts before she finally takes the advantage herself with a forehand winner that draws a round of applause. Pegula then sends a forehand wide for an unforced error, giving the game to her opponent.
Of course, this isn’t the first time that Pegula has been up a set on a fellow American in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. Back in 2021, she took the first set against Jennifer Brady, only to go on to lose the match 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. Perhaps something for Anisimova to take heart in?
A brief delay to the start of the second set here in Melbourne, as Anisimova briefly makes her way off the court. Pegula moves over to her coach’s box for a bit more advice during the pause, albeit one images they’re pretty happy with what they saw in that opening set.
Unforced errors killed Anisimova in that opening set, the fourth seed committing 13 compared to Pegula’s six. The sixth seed also fired down six aces to her foe’s one, as well as sent down twelve winners to eight.
Pegula takes the first set 6-2
Jessica Pegula* (6) 6-2 Amanda Anisimova (4) New balls are delivered Pegula steps up to serve for the set. And she starts things off well with an ace.
The frustration on Anisimova is evident when she hits a backhand into the net to fall further behind but gets a lifeline when Pegula double faults. The fourth seed presses forward and fires down a big backhand return to level things and then gets a break point when Pegula drags a forehand wide.
Anisimova can’t convert, however, deuce being brought up when she sends a forehand long. And even with his first serve struggling in this game, Pegula then brings up set point with a forehand winner laced just beyond her opponent.
Anisimova says alive when Pegula sends a forehand long but it’s only a momentary reprieve as she commits a backhand error to surrender a second set point. Pegula makes no mistake this time, driving an ace down the T to take the first set in exactly 30 minutes.
Jessica Pegula (6) 5-2 Amanda Anisimova* (4) A big forehand winner sees Anisimova move ahead but Pegula pegs her back with a backhand that gets her stretching behind her and firing into the net. Subsequently falling behind 15-30, Anisimova needed a response and got one, using a deep forehand winner to level things and then moving back ahead with an ace. Anisimova then ends a nine-shot rally with a bang overhead forehand to hold.
Jessica Pegula* (6) 5-1 Amanda Anisimova (4) It’s a matter of when, not if, Pegula wraps up this first set. She fires down a pair of aces as she moves to a 40-0 lead and then secures the hold with a gorgeous passing backhand as Anisimova charged the net – drawing a cheer of appreciation from the crowd.
Jessica Pegula (6) 4-1 Amanda Anisimova* (4) Pegula continues to cruise in this first set and quickly brings up three break points. Anisimova sees off the first but lifts a forearm just beyond the baseline on the next point, giving up the double-break.
Both players are yet to drop a set on their way to the quarterfinals, with Pagula seeing off defending champion and podcast friend Madison Keys (9), Oksana Selekhmeteva, doubles partner McCartney Kessler, and Anastasia Zakharova to get here.
Anisimova, meanwhile, defeated Xinyu Wang, Peyton Stearns, Katerina Siniakova, and Simona Waltert on her way to the last eight -- Pegula the first seeded player she’s faced so far in Melbourne.
Jessica Pegula* (6) 3-1 Amanda Anisimova (4) The duo exchange points at the start of the set’s fourth game, before an unforced forehand error by Anisimova at the end of a lengthy exchange and a deft passing shot from Pegula makes it 40-15. The hold is then secured with a wicked serve-and-forehand combination.
Updated
Jessica Pegula (6) 2-1 Amanda Anisimova* (4) Pegula sends a forehand long to make it 15-15 and give Anisimova her first point while on serve but the fourth-seed sends a forehand long herself on the next exchange to fall behind. An unforced error sees the 24-year-old level things once more but Pegula forces her wide from the baseline on the next point and she hits a forehand into the net, bringing up another break point.
A good serve down the T allows Anisimova to construct a point that ends with her smashing an overhead forehand winner across the court to bring up deuce, followed by another big serve down the T that Pegula can’t return. Anisimova then brings up a vital hold that gets her on the board.
Jessica Pegula* (6) 2-0 Amanda Anisimova (4) Pegula races further ahead, sending down back-to-back aces to move ahead 40-0. A swell-struck forehand return winner sees Anisimova register her first point of the match but some deft work on the baseline ensures that Pegula takes the next exchange and the hold.
Updated
Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova get underway
Jessica Pegula (6) 1-0 Amanda Anisimova* (4) For the second time today, a quarterfinal starts with a break!
A forehand error from Anidimova gives Pegula the first point of the match, and two backhand errors then hand her three break points to start the contest. The 31-year-old only needs one, lacing a backhand return down the line to take the game.
There are two ways to look at this. Either Alex de Minaur is not good enough to beat Carlos Alcaraz – and Jannik Sinner, for that matter – or the world’s top two players are in a class of their own. Sadly, for Australia’s top-ranked player, both things are true.
After his defeat against Carlos Alcaraz (1) last night, Simon Chambers breaks down the odds that Australia’s Alex de Minaur (6) ever wins a Grand Slam.
🚨 Fun fact: Rybakina hasn't dropped a single set on her way to the semifinal and she sealed the deal with an ace here! @wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/rHB2l8dOKn
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2026
Elsewhere, sixth-seeded men’s doubles paring Christian Harrison and Neal Skupski have moved into the semifinals after a straight sets win over Czech duo Petr Nouza and Patrik Rikl, while quad wheelchair singles second seed Sam Schroder has defeated Robert Shaw and women’s wheelchair singles top seed Yui Kamiji has defeated Jiske Griffioen.
After a back-and-forth opening to the match, it really felt like Rybakina began to click into gear as the first set progressed and, ultimately, Swiatek couldn’t go with her.
Of particular importance was the Kazakhstani’s serve, which began to land a lot more and deliver some important aces. After making five in the first set, Rybakina also didn’t make a single return unforced error in the second and ultimately fired down 26 winners to ten.
She’ll now face the winner of Jessica Pegula (6) and Amanda Anisimova (4), which is due up next on Rod Laver Arena.
Elena Rybakina defeats Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1
Elena Rybakina* (5) 5-1 7-5 Iga Swiatek (2) Serving for the match, Rbyakina falls behind but Swiatek can’t build on it, sending a forehand into the net to level things. Not good.
Two good serves them prove unreturnable and bring up two match points and Rybakina books her place in the semifinals in style firing down an eleventh ace of the contest to end things.
Elena Rybakina (5) 5-1 7-5 Iga Swiatek* (2) Oh dear. Swiatek’s race might be run here. The Pole takes the first point but Rybakina fires back with four straight points to claim the break – her final backhand winner landing just – just – inbounds in what felt like something of a backbreaker.
Elena Rybakina* (5) 4-1 7-5 Iga Swiatek (2) A backhand sent long by the Kazakhstani sees Swiatek move ahead and it’s soon 0-30 when Rybakina fires a forehand into the net.
An ace gets Rybakina on the board and she’s then level when Swiatek lashes a cross-court backhand long and wide. Another ace makes it 40-30 but Swiatek makes a statement of her own when she fires a backhand winner down the line to bring up deuce.
But two aces see out the hold for Rybakina, it almost feeling like they were sent down with an exclamation mark of ‘oh, you thought you were getting the break?’
Elena Rybakina (5) 3-1 7-5 Iga Swiatek* (2) Swiatek’s reaction to an opening ace tells you how important this game is, and she moves closer to a vital hold when Rybakina sends a backhand into the net.
A baseline forehand sent long by Swiatek draws a murmur from the crowd but she steadies by whipping down a serve Rybakina can only send long on the return. Another ace secures a vital hold – now she goes hunting for the break that will get her back in the match.
Elena Rybakina* (5) 3-0 7-5 Iga Swiatek (2) Rybakina continues to struggle to land her first serve and double faults to make it 15-30. But a backhand winner and serve-and-forehand combination steadies things and she secures the hold with a powerful ace.
Already down a set and down 3-0, a must-hold for Swiatek looms.
Elena Rybakina (5) 2-0 7-5 Iga Swiatek* (2) Rybakina breaks early!
Swiatek’s first double fault of the match sees her fall behind and Rybakina forges further when the Pole swings a forehand wide. Rybakina forces Swiatek deep on a baseline exchange on the next point and eventually claims it with a backhand winner laced down the line to line up three break points, the first of which she takes with a well-placed forehand return.
Rybakina looked like she was growing into things at the end of the first set while Swiatek was tensing up. Perhaps we’re seeing a continuation of that into the second set?
Updated
Elena Rybakina* (5) 1-0 7-5 Iga Swiatek (2) Swiatek misfires with a forehand to give up the first point of the second set but gets back on the board when she drives a forehand return wide that Rybakina can’t make proper contact with. An ace restores the Kazakhstani’s advantage and she presses further ahead when Swiatek sends a return just long.
A well-struck backhand return from the second seed induces Rybakina into lofting a forehand long but the hold is secured when she whips down a serve that Swiatek can’t return.
She's got one foot in the semifinals.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2026
Rybakina secures the late break to win the first 7-5. All to play for here on RLA. #AO26 pic.twitter.com/QElIk5zfRF
Rybakina was able to land just 41% of her first serves in that set -- a good thing for Swiatek given she won 93% of the points she did -- but fired down 12 winners to seven and kept her cool when it counted to claim the first set.
Elena Rybakina takes the first set 7-5
Elena Rybakina (5) 7-5 Iga Swiatek* (2) Two backhand errors from Rybakina see Swiatek move ahead as she attempts to force a tiebreak. Rybakina responds by moving her opponent from left to right and back again with some powerful baseline shots, inducing an error. A 148 km/h forehand winner then levels things for the Kazakhstani and Swiatek misjudges a forehand smash off a high lob to surrender break and set point.
Swiatek answers back with a serve-and-forehand winner drilled at 135 km/h to bring up deuce but finds herself on the edge once more when she puts a forehand into the net. With the air thick with tension, Swiatek then smashes a backhand into the net to give up the first set in 59 minutes.
Elena Rybakina* (5) 6-5 Iga Swiatek (2) An ace deftly placed down the T gives Swiatek no chance. Neither does the one that immediately follows, either. Rybakina goes to her second serve on the subsequent exchanges but momentum is in her corner and she holds to love.
Elena Rybakina (5) 5-5 Iga Swiatek* (2) Swiatek steps up with the pressure on, needing to hold to keep this opening set alive and does just that
A baseline exchange ends with Rybakina sending a backhand long to open the game, but a good Rybakina return on second serve in the next point forces a backhand error. A long forehand return from Rybakina moves it to 15-30 and it’s quickly 15-40 when Swiatek forces her opponent very wide and unable to keep a forehand in. Another forehand return sails long to bring up another hold.
Elena Rybakina* (5) 5-4 Iga Swiatek (2) Swiatek smashes a backhand return into the net to fall behind and then is rendered a spectator when Rybakina thunders a forehand winner across the court to make it 30-15. Swiatek’s power gradually gives her the advantage across a 14-shot rally she takes when a big overhead smash forces an error. But an unforced error gives Swiatek back impetus and she then secures the hold with an ace.
Elena Rybakina (5) 4-4 Iga Swiatek* (2) Swiatek forces Rybakina into back-to-back errors to move ahead but surrenders the next point when she loops a forehand well beyond the baseline. A neat return from the fifth seed then induces her opponent to skid a backhand into the net but her attempt to land a forehand return in the corner on the next point goes long.
A serve blasted down the T proves unreturnable, giving Swiatek the hold.
Elena Rybakina* (5) 4-3 Iga Swiatek (2) A superb backhand winner laced down the line gives Rybakina the first point, setting the stage for her to race through and claim the first hold to love of the contest.
Elena Rybakina (5) 3-3 Iga Swiatek* (2) Swiatek sends a backhand long to give up the first point but powers back to take the next two. Rybakina meets a poorly-placed drop shot with a vicious backhand winner to level things at 30-30 but the Pole fires down her first ace of the game to move back ahead. After a good serve down the T, Swiatek then moves Rybakina as she gets to the net and induces an error to claim the hold.
Elena Rybakina* (5) 3-2 Iga Swiatek (2) The duo exchange points as the game moves to 30-30, before a backhand dragged wide by Swiatek gives the opening to secure the hold Rybakina. After a brief baseline exchange, Swiatek is sent deep and forced into a forehand that looks to go just high and wide, giving the hold to the fifth seed.
Elena Rybakina (5) 2-2 Iga Swiatek* (2) A more straightforward, but not altogether simple, hold for Swiatek.
She moves out to a 40-0 lead early on – securing her first forehand winner of the match in the process – only to be pegged back to 40-30 by Rybakina. But a serve whipped straight into Rybakina cramps her, preventing a return and giving Swiatek the hold.
Elena Rybakina* (5) 2-1 Iga Swiatek (2) Rybakina produces the first hold of the game but, gee, she had to work for it.
Swiatek races out of the blocks to bring up three break points but Rybakina rallied, firing down an ace, inducing a forehand error, and launching an unreturnable serve to bring up deuce. The fifth seed takes the first advantage only to be pegged back by Swiatek, but finally secures the hold after a forced and unforced error from the Pole.
Elena Rybakina (5) 1-1 Iga Swiatek* (2) And Rybakina breaks right back! Good stuff.
A lengthy baseline exchange ends with Swiatek sending down an overhead smash that Rybakina can’t return but the Kazakhstani levels things when the second seed is forced into a backhand error. The pair exchange points once more to bring it up to 30-30 before Rybakina brings up a break point of her own when Swiatek lifts a baseline backhand long.
Rybakina drags a baseline forehand wide to surrender the initiative and bring up deuce, takes it back when Swiatek again goes long from the baseline, and surrenders it once more with an unforced error.
But finally, the fifth seed gets her break: moving to the net and securing a third attempt with a big overhead forehand and then watching on as an unforced error from a Swiatek backhand levels things.
Rybakina and Swiatek are under way on Rod Laver
Elena Rybakina* (5) 0-1 Iga Swiatek (2) Swiatek breaks Rybakina to start the quarterfinal!
A good first serve from Rybakina gets Swiatek stretching and unable to register a return for the match’s first point. But the Pole answers back with two strong backhand winners to move ahead and then forces an error to bring up two break points, the first of which she converts with another backhand winner to move ahead.
Updated
Both Elena Rybakina (5) and Iga Swiatek (2) have made their way out onto Rod Laver Arena, with the cooler conditions ensuring the roof is open and the sun streaming onto the court.
In a Fashion Files update, Rybakina has opted for a white visor, white top, and white skirt, while Swiatek is wearing a purple cap, white top with black and purple detailing, a black skirt, and white shoes.
Updated
Mercifully for both the players and my air conditioning bill, after yesterday’s scorcher, the temperature has dipped sharply at Olympic Park today.
24 hours on from highs hitting as much as 45°C, the Bureau of Meteorology currently has temperatures sitting at 21.9°C, with a high of 24°C forecast for later today.
A sudden swings of 20°C in a single day? That’s Melbourne, baby.
Yesterday also proved a frustrating one for Coco Gauff (3), who was blown away in straight sets by Elina Svitolina (12), setting up a meeting between the Ukrainian and Aryna Sabalenka (1), who easily handled Iva Jovic (29) earlier in the day, in the semifinals.
Angry with her performance, Gauff smashed her racquet on a concrete ramp away leading from Rod Laver Arena, unaware that she was being recorded by a nearby camera. The American went on to express frustration that broadcasters had seen fit to distribute the moment of vulnerability, stating that she felt players had fewer and fewer areas of privacy at major tournaments.
The big story from last night, definitely from a local perspective, was Australia’s own Alex de Minaur (6) going down in straight sets to world number one Carlos Alcaraz (1), as recapped by Jack Snape.
de Minaur had entered Tuesday evening’s clash playing some of the best tennis of his career but, yet again, he ran into the glass ceiling of a Grand Slam quarterfinal – Tumaini Carayol there to break down how Alcaraz simply had too much, too many weapons, for ‘The Demon’.
Preamble
Howdy y’all, it’s ya boi Joey Lynch once again, getting set to bring you more of the Guardian’s live coverage of the Australian Open.
And we’re in for a treat this morning, with Elena Rybakina (5) and Iga Swiatek (2) meeting in a women’s quarterfinal out on Rod Laver Arena at 11.30 local time (so starting in about 15 minutes or so), followed by an all-American showdown between Jessica Pegula (6) and Amanda Anisimova (4).
Men’s singles will follow later in the arvo and the evening, with Lorenzo Musetti (5) and Novak Djokovic (4) locking horns on centre court no earlier than 2.30 local time, followed by a prime-time showdown between Ben Shelton (8) and Jannik Sinner (2).
The men’s and women’s doubles are also reaching the pointy end – sixth seeded men’s duo Christian Harrison and Neal Skupski already in action agianst Petr Nouza and Patrik Rikl – and there’s wheelchair tennis taking place as well.
A big day. Let’s get started.
Day 11 is STACKED 🥞@ROLEX #rolex #orderofplay
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2026
Who's making the semis? pic.twitter.com/YVloOGnNqb
Updated
