Aryna Sabalenka vs. Elina Svitolina LIVE: Score, highlights, commentary from Australian Open semi-final originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Aryna Sabalenka will be favourite to reach her fourth consecutive Australian Open final against Elina Svitolina in the semi-final.

The world no.1 has two Melbourne Park titles in the pocket but will be keen to continue her dominance Down Under.

This will be Svitolina’s fourth major semi-final – but she is yet to reach a final – however her journey back to the top 10 from maternity leave has been inspiring.

Can there be an almighty upset or will Sabalenka continue her march toward another major?

The Sporting News is following the Aryna Sabalenka vs. Elina Svitolina match live, providing score updates and commentary as it happens.

MORE: Australian Open LIVE: Schedule, results, scores, updates for AO tennis 2026

Aryna Sabalenka vs. Elina Svitolina live score – Australian Open semi-final

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Aryna Sabalenka vs. Elina Svitolina updates, highlights and commentary

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Sabalenka* 6-2 1-2 Svitolina

Sabalenka tries to steady. She belts three forehand winners to set up triple game point. Svitolina then volleys long and Sabalenka is on the board in the second set.

Sabalenka 6-2 0-2 Svitolina*

Svitolina is on top here. Forces Sabalenka into two forehand errors to make it 30-0. She then sees Sabalenka hit the ball long to make it 40-0. Another net cord winner consolidates the break for Svitolina.

BREAK SVITOLINA – Sabalenka* 6-2 0-1 Svitolina

15-15 after a Svitolina unforced error and a double fault from Sabalenka. Unreturned serve gets Sabalenka’s nose in front. Svitolina hits a backhand winner to make it 30-30. Two unforced errors from Sabalenka give the early break to Svitolina.

FIRST SET SABALENKA – Sabalenka 6-2 Svitolina*

Sabalenka creates early pressure on her opponent’s serve with the first two points. A forced error from Svitolina creates three set points for Sabalenka. Svitolina saves one by forcing Sabalenka to net. A second is saved with a lucky net cord forehand winner. But Svitolina loses her first set for the tournament as Sabalenka curls a backhand winner cross court.

Sabalenka* 5-2 Svitolina

Sabalenka runs Svitolina all over the court and belts a winner. And now a forehand winner. Svitolina forces Sabalenka to make the error. Svitolina’s return floats long. Game point for Sabalenka. But Svitolina steps up to crush a winner off Sabalenka’s second serve. The Ukrainian is fighting. She gets to deuce courtesy of a pass that forces a Sabalenka error. Power hitting from Aryna creates another game point. She wraps up the hold as Svitolina returns long.

Sabalenka 4-2 Svitolina*

Sabalenka brings Svitolina in with a drop shot but the 12th seed can’t direct her shot inside the tram lines. Ace for Svitolina down the T. Sabalenka drives the backhand return long. But she crushes a winner with the backhand next point. 30-30. Another break point created as Sabalenka comes to the net and slams the forehand volley. Slow second serve but Sabalenka returns into the net. Deuce. Sabalenka prevents Svitolina from holding by attacking the serve for a winner once again. Sabalenka nets and Svitolina drills an ace to hold serve.

Sabalenka* 4-1 Svitolina

Svitolina responds the pressure by hitting a magnificent backhand winner down the line to set up 15-30. However, she misses the drop shot and it’s 30-30. Sabalenka forces Svitolina into the error to set up game point and she wins it via an unforced error from the Ukrainian.

BREAK SABALENKA – Sabalenka 3-1 Svitolina*

Sabalenka is called for a hinderance. She apparently said a word during her grunt on the first point. The world no.1 calls for a video review but the hinderance calls stands and the point is to Svitolina. The Ukrainian just misses a passing shot wide. However, she wins the next point with a brilliant net pass. Sabalenka executes a smash winner. 30-30. Svitolina gets a game point but Sabalenka takes it to deuce with a winner off the second serve. Unforced error from Sabalenka – hooking a forehand wide. She doesn’t make that mistake next point though, crushing a winner. Deuce. Sabalenka slams the return into the net. But a forehand winner from her takes it back to deuce. A first break point for Sabalenka with a huge forehand. Svitolina’s defensive lob is too long and it’s a break.

Sabalenka* 2-1 Svitolina

Sabalenka starts the service game with two serve-winner combos. She then has an unreturned serve. Svitolina wins one point but the world no.1 closes the game out.

Sabalenka 1-1 Svitolina*

Sabalenka too powerful on the first point but Svitolina strikes back coming to the net to make it 15-15. Svitolina forces an error from Sabalenka but then hits a double fault. 30-30. Svitolina hustles hard and holds her opening serve to 30.

Sabalenka* 1-0 Svitolina

Svitolina crunches a forehand winner to start the game. Sabalenka gives Svitolina a chance to put away the drop shot but the Ukrainian hits it long. Two unforced errors from the world no.1 sets up two break points. Sabalenka saves one with a clutch play. And she saves the second with an amazing angled backhand. Deuce. Sabalenka sets up game point with the serve-winner punch. And she seals the opening game with a forehand winner.

Match start – Sabalenka to serve

7:40 PM: Sabalenka and Svitolina are warming up on court now – not long to start!

7:35 PM: The players are making their way down the tunnel to the court.

7:30 PM: Won’t be long until the players are out on Rod Laver Arena for the first of two semi-finals.

7:15 PM: Sabalenka has a 6-1 H2H record against Svitolina, including one straight sets win on clay last year. Svitolina’s one win came on clay in 2020.

7:01 PM: The match is set to begin around 7:40 PM (local time) with players to enter the court 10 minutes prior.

7:00 PM (local time): Welcome to Rod Laver Arena for tonight’s semi-final match between Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina.

How to watch the Australian Open: TV channel, free-to-air guide in Australia

The Nine Network is the free-to-air home of the Australian Open in 2026.

All key matches will be broadcast free on TV across the Channel 9 and 9Gem channels.

Broadcast schedules will be determined on a daily basis but matches involving Australians and other notable players will typically receive free-to-air priority.

Channel 9 will serve as the main broadcast channel with 9Gem also providing day-long coverage.

Australian Open live stream: How to watch online in Australia 

Aussie fans can stream this year’s Australian Open on subscription service Stan Sport.

In 2026 every match will be streamed live and on demand in 4K, making it the perfect choice for dedicated tennis fans who want uninterrupted coverage.

Stan Sport will also feature tournament shoulder programming including the magazine-style show Grand Slam Daily streaming every morning.