AO 2026: Svitolina Stuns Gauff In Straight Sets; Zverev Survives Tien Scare To Enter Semi-Final

Last Updated:January 27, 2026, 15:38 IST

Elina Svitolina stunned Coco Gauff to reach her first Australian Open semi-final, while Alexander Zverev overcame Learner Tien to advance as both chase maiden Grand Slam titles.

(Credit: AP)

Elina Svitolina delivered one of the shocks of the Australian Open on Tuesday, ruthlessly demolishing third seed Coco Gauff to storm into the semi-finals and edge closer to a long-awaited maiden Grand Slam title.

The Ukrainian 12th seed needed just 59 minutes to dismantle Gauff 6-1, 6-2 under the closed roof of Rod Laver Arena, producing a near-flawless performance as the American’s serve completely deserted her. Gauff was broken six times, won only 41 per cent of first-serve points and leaked 19 unforced errors in a one-sided contest.

For Svitolina, now 31, it marked a major Melbourne breakthrough. Playing her 14th Grand Slam quarter-final, she reached the Australian Open semi-finals for the first time after falling short at this stage in 2018, 2019 and 2025. Riding a 10-match winning streak following her Auckland title, the victory will also propel her back into the WTA top 10.

“It’s always been my dream to come back after maternity leave and make the top 10," Svitolina said. “It means the world to me."

Her reward? A daunting semi-final against world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, who bulldozed teenager Iva Jovic for the loss of just three games earlier in the day.

Zverev Pushed To His Limits By Youngster Tien

Earlier, Alexander Zverev underlined his title credentials with a powerful display to reach the men’s semi-finals, crushing American youngster Learner Tien 6-3, 6-7, 6-1, 7-6.

The world No.3 unleashed 24 aces and said he is finally playing pain-free for the first time in a year, a major boost as he chases a first Grand Slam crown at 28. “I feel healthy and happy on the court," Zverev said after the three-hour, 10-minute battle.

Tien, the lowest-ranked and youngest player left in the draw at just 20, pushed hard and claimed the second-set tiebreak, but Zverev’s experience and devastating serve proved decisive.

He now awaits either Carlos Alcaraz or Alex de Minaur for a place in the final.

(with AFP inputs)

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