Melbourne: Ukraine’s top tennis player Elina Svitolina has created a major upset at the 2026 Australian Open by defeating third seed Coco Gauff in straight sets to reach the semifinals for the first time at this Grand Slam. This marks Svitolina’s fourth Grand Slam semifinal overall.
In a quarterfinal match lasting just 59 minutes, Svitolina convincingly beat Gauff 6-1, 6-2.
From the start, Svitolina displayed aggressive and precise play, while Gauff struggled with her service game and unforced errors. In the opening set, Gauff faced constant pressure on her serve and committed two double faults in a crucial game, allowing Svitolina an easy break. Svitolina’s sharp baseline strokes and superior movement dominated the set, which she won 6-1.
In the second set, Gauff tried to fight back by using wide serves to win some points, but she was unable to maintain consistency. Svitolina capitalised on every opportunity, breaking Gauff’s serve five times throughout the match to seal her victory.
This win extends Svitolina’s winning streak to 10 matches, her third longest at the tour level. Previously, she had a 15-match streak in 2017 and an 11-match streak in 2025. Ranked world No. 12, Svitolina had won her 19th WTA title in Auckland before the Australian Open and has yet to lose a set at Melbourne Park this year.
During the match, Svitolina received court-side support from her husband, French tennis star Gael Monfils. This impressive performance is expected to help her return to the WTA top 10 rankings next week for the first time since October 2021.
The victory over Gauff marks Svitolina’s 24th win against a top-5 opponent, including four at Grand Slams, all achieved after her return from maternity leave.
On Thursday, Svitolina will face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals, aiming to reach her first Grand Slam final. The match promises to be a highly competitive encounter between two top players.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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