Stunned Aryna Sabalenka speaks on court after beating Elina Svitolina, ‘I cannot believe that’

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Aryna Sabalenka continues to dominate down under.

Some questioned whether Elina Svitolina could halt Sabalenka’s progress at this year’s Australian Open.

Those questions were answered emphatically, as Sabalenka defeated Svitolina in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3.

In doing so, the Belarusian advanced to her fourth consecutive Australian Open final.

Becoming the first woman to achieve such a feat since Martina Hingis (1997-2002), Sabalenka cemented her legacy as one of the greatest players in Australian Open history.

Aryna Sabalenka proud of ‘incredible achievement’ as she returns to another Australian Open final

During her post-match interview, Sabalenka shared her thoughts.

“I cannot believe that. Honestly,” she said.

“That is an incredible achievement.

Aryna Sabalenka’s Australian Open final streak

• 2023 Australian Open F [WIN] vs Elena Rybakina
• 2024 Australian Open F [WIN] vs Qinwen Zheng
• 2025 Australian Open F [LOSS] vs Madison Keys
• 2026 Australian Open F vs Jessica Pegula/Elena Rybakina

“But the job is not done yet.

“I am super happy with the win. She is such a tough opponent and was playing incredible tennis throughout the whole week.

“I am super happy to be through this tough match.”

The world number one explained the tactics she used to take down Svitolina in straight sets.

“I have been watching her game; she was playing incredible against Mirra [Andreeva] and Coco [Gauff] and throughout the whole tournament,” said Sabalenka.

“I felt like I had to step in and put as much pressure as I could back on her.

Aryna Sabalenka vs Elina Svitolina – Match stats

“I played great tennis, and I am happy to get this win in straight sets.”

Sabalenka was then asked how a 10-year-old her would feel knowing she’s made four-straight Australian Open finals.

“I think she would be super proud that I was able to make it here,” she said.

“I would never think first of all, I would be able to make it to the top 10 and be that consistent and play on a big court in front of all of you.

“It is such a dream life and everything I am grateful for.

“I don’t know, I hope she would be proud of me!”

She certainly would, but she’d be even prouder if she could reclaim the Australian Open title she lost a year ago…

Who would Aryna Sabalenka rather play in the Australian Open final?

Sabalenka will now head back to the locker room and may catch a glimpse of the semifinal match between Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina.

But who would she rather play in the final?

Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula’s head-to-head record

Sabalenka has a dominant head-to-head lead over Pegula, 9-3.

She hasn’t enjoyed as much success against Rybakina, though, and leads the Kazakh, 8-6.

Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina’s head-to-head record

Only time will tell who she will play in the final, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.

Sabalenka will play Rybakina or Pegula in the 2026 Australian Open final on Saturday, January 31.