Australian Open 2026 Day 12 Preview: Sabalenka, Pegula, Svitolina & Rybakina Clash in Women’s Semifinals
Day 12 of the Australian Open (Thursday, January 29, 2026) delivers two high-stakes women’s singles semifinals as the tournament’s best vie for a place in Sunday’s final. With power hitters, crafty tacticians and consistent performers on display, this slate promises momentum shifts, intense rallies and headline-worthy storylines from Melbourne Park.
Aryna Sabalenka vs. Elina Svitolina — Top Seed Faces Resurgent Veteran
The Matchup
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka returns to Rod Laver Arena to face Elina Svitolina, a seasoned competitor whose resilience and consistency have carried her into the semifinals.
Official Match Link:
https://ausopen.com/match/2026-aryna-sabalenka-vs-elina-svitolina-ws601
What to Watch
Sabalenka’s march through the draw has showcased her raw power and aggressive baseline game. Her booming first serves and penetrating groundstrokes have overwhelmed opponents — but in a semifinal, every point amplifies in importance.
Svitolina, a former Top 5 player and major contender, brings a contrasting style built on court intelligence, precision and movement. She thrives in extended rallies, patiently constructing points and waiting for her moment to attack. When she finds depth and neutralizes pace, she forces even big hitters into uncomfortable positions.
This semifinal is a classic power-versus-tactical-craft matchup. Sabalenka will aim to dictate with depth and pace, while Svitolina will test her with consistency and strategic ball placement.
Key themes to follow:
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Sabalenka’s ability to stay aggressive without erasing margin for error
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Svitolina’s court coverage and rally construction under semifinal pressure
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Break-point conversion in tight games
A surge from Svitolina could rattle even the most confident hitters — but Sabalenka’s firepower and momentum keep her firmly in control of this contest.
Jessica Pegula vs. Elena Rybakina — Precision Meets Power
The Clash
In the second women’s semifinal, Jessica Pegula takes on Elena Rybakina, two of the tour’s most formidable competitors with contrasting strengths that make this a compelling tactical duel.
? Official Match Link:
? https://ausopen.com/match/2026-jessica-pegula-vs-elena-rybakina-ws602
Tactical Breakdown
Pegula’s journey to the semifinals has been defined by consistency, court coverage and strategic precision. She has a knack for extending rallies, minimizing unforced errors and constructing points that force opponents into defensive positions. Her baseline depth and return game give her a steady platform from which to apply pressure.
Rybakina, armed with one of the tour’s most devastating serves and flat, penetrating groundstrokes, embodies first-strike tennis. When her serve is firing and her aggression translates into winners, she can dictate terms from the outset and cut points short.
This semifinal is precision versus raw power: Pegula’s patient construction aiming to out-maneuver Rybakina’s explosive shot-making.
Match focus areas:
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First-serve effectiveness and service game holds
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Rybakina’s ability to finish points early
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Pegula’s depth and rally control in long exchanges
Expect deep baseline rallies, sudden momentum shifts and points decided by tactical nuance just as much as firepower.
Day 12 Storylines — What Fans Should Watch
Here’s why Day 12 is a must-see:
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Two contrasting semifinals: Firepower, strategy and tactical depth collide in both matches.
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Veteran savvy vs. top seed momentum: Svitolina’s experience could trouble Sabalenka’s aggression.
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Precision versus power: Pegula and Rybakina’s contrasting styles make this clash highly unpredictable.
As the women’s draw narrows to its final contenders, Day 12 promises compelling tennis with high stakes, emotional swings and the kind of intense competition that defines Grand Slams. Whether it’s shot-making brilliance or gritty point construction, fans should prepare for drama, resilience and memorable moments under the Australian sun.
