Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina looked in menacing form when she swept aside Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets 6-2 6-4 to reach the semi finals of the Australian Open.
The two players are regarded as amonghst the biggest hitters on the woman’s tour. The Rob Laver Arena was therefore treated to a match of strong ball striking. In the end it was Rybakina who was more composed throughout the contest to claim the victory.
The Russian-born Kazakh will now play two-time Champion Victoria Azarenka for a place in the final. Rybakina was regarded a surprise winner at the All England Club last summer after claiming her first Grand Slam. However, her resent performances have seen her emerge as one of the favourites in Melbourne after knocking out World No 1 Iga Swiatek in the previous round.
Azarenka has amazingly not featured in the semi-finals for 10 years and will be hoping she can roll back the years to claim the Aussie Grand Slam once again.
The other semi-final features Magda Linette & Aryna Sabalenka.