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Rybakina fights off break points
Rybakina’s first serve percentage fell as low as 46 per cent during that last game and she had to defend three break points at 0-40.
But she managed to do just that, coming up with some brave winners despite her woes with her serve.
Finally, Rybakina came up with an ace to win the game and take a 6-5 lead.
Azarenka breaks back to keep first set alive
Azarenka has kept her hopes alive after breaking as Rybakina was serving for the first set.
Azarenka saved one set point with a full-stretch forehand and a double fault from Rybakina saw the Belarusian earn a break point, but the Kazakhstani star crushed a winner to return to deuce.
But she couldn’t stop Azarenka a second time. Azarenka screamed “Let’s go” after breaking Rybakina’s serve.
It’s 5-4 to Rybakina with Azarenka serving to level things up again.
Victoria Azarenka.Credit:Getty Images
Rybakina breaks again, will serve for set
Rybakina had two break chances early in the eighth game, but couldn’t capitalise on them.
Still, she kept attacking Azarenka’s serve and earned an advantage before powering home a winner for a 5-3 lead.
She is now serving for the first set.
Elena Rybakina.Credit:Getty Images
Rybakina breaks back
Azarenka had a break one game, then lost it the next game.
Making first serves will be essential for both players in this match – in each break, a lack of first serves has allowed the other player to hit aggressively.
We’re back on serve at 4-3 with Azarenka serving now.
Bill Gates, right, pictured courtside at Rod Laver Arena tonight.Credit:Getty Images
Swirly wind again a factor on Rod Laver Arena
By Scott Spits
The wind is swirly and the temperature is pretty brisk in the stadium – typical of what we’ve experienced in the 10 days or so far of the 2023 Australian Open.
This won’t be remembered as an Australian Open of hostile heat.
It’s more meek and mild really – very pleasant for the fans with Rod Laver at about 85 per cent capacity tonight.
I like the look of Rybakina early in this match – she’s such a sweet striker of the ball and brings a big game to the court.
Azarenka has the first break
Azarenka has been here before and two-time champion is showing her wily experience, taking a break from Rybakina in the fifth game.
Azarenka’s passing shots were too good for Rybakina and she took the break with a smash close to the net.
She is serving at 3-2 up in the first set.
Victoria Azarenka’s experience is already showing.Credit:Eddie Jim
Rybakina, Azarenka trade games
The two players have held serve from their respective opening service games.
Both look comfortable and composed so far. Rybakina sprinted through her second service game.
It’s 2-1 with Azarenka serving in the fourth game.
Elena Rybakina.Credit:AP
Players on court as semi-final begins
By Scott Spits
It’s a great mood up on court, with Rod Laver Arena heaving with expectation ahead of the first women’s semi – Elena Rybakina versus Victoria Azarenka.
Who would have picked these two from the top to progress two weeks ago? Not many.
Victoria Azarenka and Elena Rybakina.Credit:Getty Images
There were bound to be a few surprises, but not many would have lobbed for this combination.
Interestingly, they’ve only played once – and Azarenka was beaten by her younger opponent.
Poll: Who will make the women’s final?
Tonight’s semi-finals
The women’s semi-finals will be played on Rod Laver Arena tonight from 7.30pm AEDT.
First up will be No. 22 seed Elena Rybakina and No. 24 seed Victoria Azarenka.
While both players have very modest seedings for this event, both are grand slam champions.
Rybakina, 23, from Kazakhstan, won Wimbledon last year but didn’t get any rankings points from her victory because of the decision from the ATP and WTA to penalise the event for banning players from Russia and Belarus due to the war in Ukraine.
Azarenka, 33, from Belarus, won back-to-back Australian Opens in 2012 and 2013 and is back to her best form at this year’s event.
No.5 seed Aryna Sabalenka and unseeded Magda Linette face off in the other semi-final – both are chasing their first appearance in a grand slam singles final.
Sabalenka, 24 from Belarus, has made the semis at both Wimbledon and the US Open, but has never progressed to a singles final although she has won two doubles titles.
Linette, 30, from Poland, has never gone past the fourth round at any grand slam, but has taken all before her at this year’s tournament.
She has been the feel-good story in the women’s draw and should have plenty of crowd support tonight.
