Sabalenka is a Belarussian player and Svitolina comes from Ukraine. The two countries are having strained relations because of Russia-Ukraine war in which Belarus sides with Russia. Speaking about it, Sabalenka said: "They have been doing it for so long, it’s their decision and I respect that."

AO 2026 | 'There will be no handshake': Shocking display board message at Sabalenka-Svitolina semis

The stoppage by chair umpire in the fourth game of the second set was because of the 'hinderance call'. "What?" was Sabalenka's reaction to which the umpire replied: "You went, ‘Uh-aya'. You don’t make the normal sound." Sablenka, however, won the match 6-2, 6-3 in straight sets.

AO 2026 | 'You went, Uh-aya': Sabalenka's semis win vs Svitolina mired by hinderance call controversy

Sabalenka was also in the final of Australian Open 2025 but lost unexpectedly to Madison Keys - somthing she would be hoping to avoid in the final this time when she plays winner of Rybakina vs Pegula on Saturday (Jan 30).

AO 2026  | '76 minutes of great tennis': Sabalenka enters fourth straight final after straight sets win over Svitolina

Gauff, a two-time grand slam champion and a favourite to win the tournament, did not handle the 6-1, 6-2 on Tuesday (Jan 27) loss vs Elina Svitolina very calmy and smashed the racquet. Gauff said that she 'tried to go somewhere without camera' as she didn't want to do it in front of kids.

AO 2026 | 'Not a bad thing': Coco Gauff unhappy after racquet smashing video goes viral

Svitolina will face the women’s world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, who earlier beat teenager Iva Jovic, in the semis.

Shocker at Australian Open! Coco Gauff loses quarterfinal tie in 59 minutes as Svitolina advances

Sports, Tennis: USA’s Madison Keys has eased into the semifinal of the Women’s singles at the Australian Open 2025 after she beat Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in three sets. 

Australian Open 2025: Madison Keys eases into semifinal with narrow win over Elina Svitolina

Wimbledon 2024: Ukraine's Elina Svitolina wears black ribbon during R16 match | Here's Why

Tennis: Jessica Pegula up for tough test vs 'fearless' Elina Svitolina ahead of Washington Open QF tie

Washington Open: Andy Murray beats Brandon Nakajima in opener; Elina Svitolina reaches QF

Tennis: Daniil Medvedev, Nick Kyrgios pull out from Washington Open due to injury

Tennis: Ons Jabeur and Marketa Vondrousova to lock horns in Wimbledon 2023 final

Wimbledon 2023: 'Super Mom' Elina Svitolina upsets No.1 seed Iga Swiatek to reach semifinals

Wimbledon 2023: Crowd boos Victoria Azarenka after loss against Ukrainian Svitolina in fourth round - Watch

French Open: Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka downs Elina Svitolina; to face Karolína Muchová in semis

Ukrainian star Elina Svitolina slams 'useless' WTA amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina wants continued Wimbledon ban on Russian, Belarusian players

Paris Olympics: Ukraine's Elina Svitolina calls for ban on Russians and Belarusians

'I don't support it': Ukraine's Elina Svitolina on US Open’s decision to allow Russian players to participate

Elina Svitolina aggravates back injury after battling to represent Ukraine amid Russia's invasion

Ukraine under attack: Here's how Ukrainian sports stars joining fight against Russia

Bryan brothers to raise funds to support Elina Svitolina's humanitarian drive for Ukraine refugees

Elina Svitolina to donate prize money from WTA tournaments to Ukraine's military, relief efforts

Tennis: Fifth seed Elina Svitolina bundled out by Czech Krejcikova

Tennis: Svitolina starts WTA title defence with win as Halep sees off Andreescu

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