Sabalenka Powers Into Fourth Straight Final, Men’s Semi-Finals Headline Day 13
MELBOURNE, 30 January 2026 – The final matchups are taking shape at Melbourne Park as the Australian Open enters its decisive phase. Aryna Sabalenka has stormed into her fourth consecutive women’s singles final, while the men’s semi-finals promise high drama with a controversial medical timeout already making headlines.
Women’s Final Set for Blockbuster Rematch
World number one and two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant march through the draw, defeating Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 in Thursday night’s semi-final. The top seed’s powerful game proved too much for Svitolina’s renowned defence, booking her a place in Saturday’s final. There, she will face Elena Rybakina in a rematch of the 2023 decider. Rybakina earned her spot by holding off a determined Jessica Pegula in the other semi-final.
Men’s Semi-Finals: Past Meets Present
All eyes now turn to Rod Laver Arena for the men’s semi-finals. The first match saw a fiery encounter between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, where a controversial medical timeout granted to Alcaraz left Zverev visibly frustrated. Alcaraz leads the match two sets to love. The night session features a titanic clash between 10-time champion Novak Djokovic and the defending champion, Jannik Sinner. The winner will face either Alcaraz or Zverev in Sunday’s final.
Australian Open 2026: Key Facts & Results
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Women’s Final | Aryna Sabalenka (1) vs. Elena Rybakina (4) – Saturday 31 January |
| Men’s Semi-Finals | Carlos Alcaraz (1) vs. Alexander Zverev (6) [In Progress]; Novak Djokovic (2) vs. Jannik Sinner (3) |
| Australian Results | No Aussies remain in singles draws after Alex de Minaur’s quarter-final exit. Olivia Gadecki & John Peers successfully defended the mixed doubles title. |
| Tournament Dates | 18 January – 1 February 2026 |
| Notable Context | Extreme heat affected early rounds, leading to schedule adjustments. The event has expanded its offerings beyond tennis to include fashion and wellness experiences. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the women’s semi-finals at the 2026 Australian Open?
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elina Svitolina, and Elena Rybakina beat Jessica Pegula to set up a final rematch from 2023.
What is the controversy in the Alcaraz vs Zverev semi-final?
During their match, world number one Carlos Alcaraz was granted a medical timeout, a decision which visibly angered his opponent Alexander Zverev and sparked debate among commentators.
Are any Australians still playing at Melbourne Park?
No Australian players remain in the men’s or women’s singles draws. However, the duo of Olivia Gadecki and John Peers made history by becoming the first pair in 37 years to successfully defend the Australian Open mixed doubles crown.
When is the men’s final?
The 2026 Australian Open men’s singles final is scheduled for Sunday 1 February at Rod Laver Arena.