Elena Rybakina booked her place in the semifinals of the 2026 Australian Open with a commanding victory over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park. In a match that featured moments of tension, a candid remark by Rybakina during a set break quickly became one of the talking points of the day.
The Kazakh star, known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, struggled to find her rhythm early in the match. At one point during a set break, Rybakina was heard saying, “We both started so shit,” acknowledging the shaky start she and Swiatek had experienced in the opening stages of their clash.
Rybakina regrouped after that brief pause, tightening her game and gradually taking control. She used her booming serve and heavy groundstrokes to put pressure on Swiatek, breaking the Pole’s serve at key moments. Her improved performance was reflected in the scoreline as she moved ahead and did not look back. Ultimately, Rybakina won in straight sets, advancing to the semifinals with confidence and momentum.
The victory marked a significant result for Rybakina, who has had mixed results against top-ranked opponents in her career. It also ended Swiatek’s bid for an Australian Open title this year, halting the six-time Grand Slam champion’s run in Melbourne.
Rybakina’s candid remark during the set break humanised the exchanged battle on court, showing a moment of humour and honesty in the heat of competition. As she moves deeper into the tournament, her blend of power and poise will make her one to watch in the battle for a place in the final.
Jelena Ostapenko Accidentally Smashes Ball Into Opponent's Face During Heated Moment At Australian Open 2026; VIDEO
Tennis fans were left stunned during a doubles match at the Australian Open 2026 in Melbourne when Latvian star Jelena Ostapenko accidentally hit her opponent Laura Siegemund in the face with a powerful shot. The incident occurred during a third-round women’s doubles match, where Ostapenko was partnering with veteran Hsieh Su-wei.
The match was well underway and Ostapenko and Hsieh held a strong lead when a routine rally suddenly took an unexpected turn. Ostapenko moved forward and unleashed a two-handed backhand volley that struck Siegemund directly in the face, causing the German player to fall to the ground in shock. Siegemund was visibly shaken but managed to get back on her feet with assistance from her partner, Sofia Kenin. Ostapenko immediately apologised after the point.
Despite the scary moment, play continued and Ostapenko and Hsieh went on to win the match in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, advancing to the next round of the doubles draw.
The video clip of the incident quickly circulated on social media, drawing reactions from fans and sparking discussions about the unusual occurrence. Many emphasised that the contact appeared accidental and part of the fast-paced nature of tennis at the highest level.
While tense moments are not uncommon in competitive tennis, this incident stood out for how sudden and unexpected it was. Both players continued with professionalism after the episode, and Siegemund was able to carry on with the match.
