Aryna Sabalenka v Elina Svitolina live: Australian Open latest score updates from semi-final clash – UK Times

A devastated Lorenzo Musetti said he had “no words” to describe his disappointment after he was forced to retire from his Australian Open quarter-final against Novak Djokovic while two sets up.

The 23-year-old Italian looked on course for the biggest win of his career as he deservedly led Djokovic 6-4 6-3, but the fifth seed was struck down by a right leg injury that became more painful in the third.

Aryna Sabalenka is one win away from a fourth consecutive Australian Open final. The world No 1 has shown remarkably consistency in reaching an eighth consecutive grand slam semi-final on a hard court.

Sabalenka has won all three matches she has played against Svitolina since the Ukrainian returned to the tour as a mother in 2023.

“I think every player when they get to the tournament is trophy or nothing. The mentality is the same, and it’s always in the back of your mind that obviously you want to win it.

“But I’m trying to shift my focus on the right things and taking it step by step and just trying my best in each match, each point, each game, each set. That’s my mentality.”

Day Twelve – Thursday 29 January

Aryna Sabalenka [1] vs. Elina Svitolina (UKR) [12]

Jessica Pegula (USA) [6] vs. Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [5] T

It’s women’s semi-final day at the Australian Open as Aryna Sabalenka bids to return to a fourth straight final at Melbourne Park,

The world No 1 has been in dominant form as she seeks a third title in four years, following last season’s shock defeat to Madison Keys.

After impressive wins over teenagers Victoria Mboko and Iva Jokic, Sabalenka now faces the experience of Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina.

Svitolina is fresh from demolishing Coco Gauff in the quarter-finals, and has the chance to advance to her first grand slam final at the age of 31.

In the other semi-final, Elena Rybakina, runner-up to Sabalenka in 2023, takes on Jessica Pegula, who like Svitolina is on the hunt of a first major title.

Rybakina continued her strong form from last season’s WTA Finals by ending Iga Swiatek’s career grand slam bid, while Pegula beat Amanda Anisimova.