Elena Rybakina advanced to the Australian Open semi-finals after defeating Iga Swiatek on Wednesday.
The Kazakhstani player, a former finalist in Melbourne, produced an excellent display to defeat Swiatek 7-5, 6-1 at the Rod Laver Arena.
Rybakina, who discussed her gameplan ahead of the match, claimed a 7-5, 6-1 victory over the world number two, securing her place in a semi-final match against Jessica Pegula.
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After the match, Rybakina praised a decision made by Australian Open tournament organisers.
Elena Rybakina praises the ‘good idea’ made by Australian Open organisers
During her post-match press conference, Rybakina commented on the close proximity players have to their coaching box at the Australian Open.
Unlike the other Grand Slam events, player boxes are courtside, allowing for players to receive advice from their coaching teams a lot more easily.
“For me it’s better, of course, that the coaches are closer, because you can hear them better,” Rybakina said.
“It’s nice to get advice, especially if something doesn’t work. So I think it was a good idea to move the coaches a little bit closer to the court.”
When asked if it is possible to receive too much information from her coaching team, Rybakina added: “Depends, but I think it’s better to get more information than not to get any. At least for me.”
Rybakina will face Jessica Pegula in the last four. Pegula, the ninth seed, defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-6 earlier on Wednesday.
Rybakina has a 3-3 record against Pegula, last defeating the American at the 2025 WTA Finals.
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When were courtside player boxes established at the Australian Open?
The courtside ‘pods’ were first introduced at the Melbourne event in 2025, and it was a move that Novak Djokovic supported.
At the 2025 event, as per TNT Sports, Djokovic said: “I really like the feeling having Andy [Murray] as my coach in the corner from this year. New coaching stuff, player/coaching stuff, seating which is basically on the court in the corner, which allows me to hear them better.
“A few times I did approach Andy, asked him something about whatever it was, whatever shot. He was giving me his feedback, his guidance and opinion. It’s important.”
However, the move did not sit well with Aryna Sabalenka, who reached the 2025 Women’s Singles final.
She said: “Honestly, it’s not like I’m a big fan of that decision. Or if you do that, then make more seats. For example, me personally, I like to see the whole team.
“I want to see the whole people in my box. I don’t know, sometimes I just want to look at my boyfriend for the support. I just didn’t want to, like, look at the coach first, then look in the box.”
