Day 12 Overview
Day 12 of the Australian Open 2026 delivered the decisive moments in the women’s draw, as the two semifinal matches determined the finalists set to compete for the title in Melbourne.
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina emerged victorious, each navigating demanding battles that highlighted power, resilience, and championship-level composure.
With the final now confirmed, attention turns toward a blockbuster rematch on Rod Laver Arena.
Sabalenka Ends Svitolina’s Run
Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant Australian Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over Elina Svitolina in the first semifinal of the day. From the opening games, Sabalenka imposed herself with aggressive baseline play, repeatedly stepping inside the court and dictating rallies.
Despite Svitolina’s strong resistance early in the second set, Sabalenka’s ability to raise her level at crucial moments proved decisive, bringing an end to the Ukrainian’s 12-match winning streak.
👉 Read the full match breakdown: Sabalenka vs Svitolina – Match Analysis
👉 Sabalenka’s immediate reaction: Sabalenka On-Court Interview
Rybakina Survives Pegula Thriller
The second semifinal offered a far tighter contest, as Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula battled through a dramatic encounter that tested both players physically and mentally. Rybakina struck first with her powerful serve and clean ball-striking, but Pegula repeatedly found ways to fight back and extend the match.
Ultimately, Rybakina’s composure in a tense second-set tiebreak proved the difference, securing her place in a second Australian Open final.
👉 Full tactical breakdown: Rybakina vs Pegula – Match Analysis
👉 Post-match thoughts: Rybakina On-Court Interview
Final Matchup Confirmed
With both semifinals completed, the Australian Open 2026 women’s final is now set:
- Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina
It marks a rematch of their 2023 Melbourne final, setting the stage for another high-level clash between two of the tour’s most powerful and consistent performers.
What’s Next
As the tournament reaches its decisive phase, focus shifts to the championship matches and the closing chapter of the Australian Open 2026.
👉 For full context and scheduling ahead, read our Australian Open 2026: Day 13 Preview.
By QWisps – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=182345065