Sabalenka: "It would be fun to see Serena back on the circuit"

Aryna Sabalenka confirmed her spectacular form by sweeping aside Elina Svitolina (6-2, 6-3) in the semifinals of the 2026 Australian Open. The Belarusian secured her spot in the final on Saturday after dominating the match from start to finish, controlling the rallies and capitalizing on her power from the baseline.

With this victory, Sabalenka reaches her fourth consecutive final in Melbourne, an achievement previously accomplished only by Evonne Goolagong and Martina Hingis in the Open Era. The Belarusian player will be seeking her third title in Australia, after falling in the final of the last edition to Madison Keys.

Press Conference of Sabalenka after reaching the Australian Open final

Current form and confidence

I don't like comparing myself, not even with yesterday. I feel that isn't positive. I believe the important thing is to step onto the court and give your all with what you have today. Every time I look back and see moments when I played well, I try to replicate that form, and that isn't good. I am happy with my tennis. I feel that everything I worked on during the preseason is paying off. I am happy with that and just take things day by day.

Mindset for the final

I know what went wrong in all those finals I played and lost, and I would say that last year there were many lessons, many things to learn about myself, and that definitely won't happen again this season. It's just a different mindset that I'm going to try to have in every final I play. Now my mindset is: I am ready to do whatever it takes, to face whatever comes in that final, I am ready to go out and fight with what I have and give it all. I believe that when I have this mindset, I play my best tennis, I am there, fighting, and I have my chances. So, that's my approach for the finals this season.

The 'hindrance' of the first set

Something like that had never happened to me, especially with my scream. It was very strange. The ball was deep, and it was just a matter of timing. When they called it, I thought, 'What? What's wrong with you?' But it helped me, I played more aggressively, and it benefited my game. I think it was a wrong decision, but well. It actually helped me and benefited my game. I became more aggressive. I wasn't happy with the decision, and it really helped me win that game. If it's something that is not under my control, I don't care. I believe that is the right approach for this type of situation.

Possible final against Rybakina

Her shots are powerful, deep, and flat. It's not easy to deal with that, but yes, we have a great history. She is an incredible player. We have had many memorable battles and many finals we have contested. She and I are different players from the 2023 final. We have been through different things, we are mentally and physically stronger, and now we play better tennis. I will approach this match as something completely different.

No handshake with Svitolina

I don't focus on that. She has been doing it for so long that, well, it's nothing... it's her decision, and I respect it. I said it now and in the on-court interview, and I believe she knows that I respect her as a player. I know that she respects me as a player. That's all that matters to me. About the lack of a handshake, it's her decision. I respect it. I didn't say anything after the match point. I just said thank you to the umpire, and that was it.

Possible return of Serena Williams

I've heard that she is enjoying her life, and whatever makes her happy, makes me happy too. If she wants to come back, it's her decision. It will be fun to see her back on the circuit. She has a lot of personality and is very funny. It would be great. I haven't talked to anyone about it. I feel like we all think the same. It's her life, let her do what makes her happy.

Legacy of her career

I don't think about whether I am defining an era. I just do my job, point by point, set by set. That's my priority. Perhaps at the end of my career, we can look back and talk about that. For now, I just focus on the present.

Possible final with Pegula

She is another incredible player who has been playing spectacular tennis throughout this tournament. She always pushes me to the limit, and I feel that every time she plays against me, she does better and better. It will definitely be a great battle.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka: "Sería divertido ver a Serena de vuelta en el circuito"