Good morning and a warm welcome to day twelve of the Australian Open 2026. It is a rare winter morning where the chill in the air is matched by the electric anticipation for the tennis action ahead, as we gear up for two compelling women's semi-final clashes.
First Semi-Final: Aryna Sabalenka vs Elina Svitolina
In the opening match, Elina Svitolina steps onto the hard court to face the formidable Aryna Sabalenka. Sabalenka, the champion here in both 2023 and 2024, and winner of the last two US Opens, has been the standout performer in either draw so far. She has marched into the semi-finals without dropping a single set, showcasing her dominance and relentless power.
Last year, Sabalenka was defeated in the final by Madison Keys, who overcame years of big-match losses to seize victory. Keys is one of the few players who can match Sabalenka's clean-hitting power, but Svitolina must adopt a different approach. To prevail, Svitolina will need to turn Sabalenka's strength against her through clever use of angles and spins, crafting a tactical masterpiece.
It will require the performance of a lifetime to transform possibility into reality, but Svitolina's recent form suggests she has the capability. If she can harness her skills and execute her game plan flawlessly, an upset could be on the cards in this high-stakes encounter.
Second Semi-Final: Elena Rybakina vs Jess Pegula
The second semi-final presents a similarly intriguing contest, with Jess Pegula looking to overcome her relative lack of raw power and athleticism through sheer desire, consistency, and a renewed, almost religious belief in her abilities. At 31 years old, Pegula is still improving, much like Keys did last year, and she now feels her game is finally robust enough to challenge the best players on the grandest stages.
Elena Rybakina, however, is in terrific form, having won the year-end WTA Finals and started this season in a similar vein of excellence. Her joyously uncomplicated and powerful thwacking is a delight to watch, a product of her long levers and impeccable timing. Yet, Pegula might have conjured a way to counter this, using her anticipation and speed to block balls back into demanding areas, thinking her way around the court with intelligence and precision.
This match-up promises to be a fascinating battle of styles, with Pegula's strategic nous pitted against Rybakina's brute force. Both players have shown they belong at this level, and it could come down to who can best impose their game on the day.
Conclusion: A Day of High-Stakes Tennis
In essence, day twelve of the Australian Open 2026 is set to deliver great tennis, with both semi-finals offering compelling narratives and potential upsets. Whether it is Svitolina's tactical ingenuity or Pegula's resilient belief, the stage is set for thrilling contests that will determine who advances to the final. Let the games begin!
