Elena Rybakina is set to reignite her rivalry with Iga Swiatek in the Australian Open quarter-finals.
Rybakina has been perfect at the Australian Open so far, having come through every match without dropping a set.
Swiatek has been equally impressive at the Australian Open, despite dropping a set 6-1 to Anna Kalinskaya in the third round.
Rybakina trails her head-to-head with Swiatek, but she has a plan to try and knock her out of the Australian Open.
Elena Rybakina shares ‘aggressive’ game plan for Iga Swiatek match
Swiatek has won six out of her 11 matches against Rybakina, but the Kazakhstani player is arguably in better form than the Pole.
Rybakina defeated Swiatek en route to winning the WTA Finals and she will be hoping for the same result again.
Who has impressed you most so far at the Australian Open?
Speaking about her plans for her match against Swiatek, Rybakina revealed: “Well, of course, I think the positioning is very important. It all depends on the shots which I’m making.
“If it’s a deep ball, of course, I try to step in. I think Iga, she is really moving so well. If I play against her, I will need to not only stay aggressive, but also change a little bit the shots, maybe some variety and so on.
“I’m not necessarily thinking about the position at certain shots I hit. But for me, it’s important to stay closer to the baseline and finish the rally closer to the net.”
There is plenty on the line for Rybakina and Swiatek ahead of their much-anticipated quarter-finals clash.
Rybakina is looking to win her first Grand Slam since Wimbledon in 2022, while Swiatek could achieve the Career Grand Slam with a win in Melbourne.
Elena Rybakina holds an Australian Open record in 2026
Rybakina has been unstoppable at this year’s Australian Open and she has a stunning record to prove it.
The star has only been broken four times so far at the Grand Slam, which is the fewest among the players left in the event.
Who has impressed you the most?
Jessica Pegula has been broken the same number of times, but Rybakina is the only star yet to be broken in multiple matches.
Rybakina has not dropped more than seven games in any one match in her first four Australian Open matches.
The star dropped just four games in her fourth round match, as she resoundingly dispatched Elise Mertens.
