Australian Open 2026: Elina Svitolina beats Coco Gauff to advance Aryna Sabalenka to semi-finals

Aryna Sabalenka continued her pursuit of a third Australian Open title in four years with a commanding quarter-final victory over teenager Iva Jovic, but third seed Coco Gauff was beaten by Elina Svitolina in 59 minutes.

World number one Sabalenka said her mentality was “a trophy or nothing” after beating American starlet Jovic 6-3 6-0.

The 27-year-old Belarusian has a 5-1 record against Svitolina but will be wary after the Ukrainian defeated Gauff 6-1 6-2.

A frustrated Gauff served five double faults, made 26 unforced errors, hit only three winners and broke her racket in the players’ area after losing the match.

Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, has reached the semifinals in 14 of her last 17 majors.

She became the third female player in the past 38 years to reach eight consecutive Grand Slam singles semifinals, following Lindsay Davenport and Martina Hingis.

“I think what I’ve accomplished is incredible,” Sabalenka said.

“What really helps me stay focused is my focus.

“Focusing on the right things definitely helps a lot with consistency.”