Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina prediction, betting tips & odds, head-to-head, preview: Australian Open 2026
Iga Swiatek has won four out of last five matches against Elena Rybakina.
Iga Swiatek produced a ruthless display at the Australian Open 2026, sweeping aside local qualifier Maddison Inglis 6-0, 6-3 to march into the quarter-finals. The second seed was in complete control on Rod Laver Arena, dictating play from the baseline and racing through the opening set in just over half an hour, conceding only 13 points.
Inglis briefly lifted the home crowd when she grabbed an early break in the second set, but Swiatek responded immediately, reasserting her authority with depth, pace, and relentless consistency.
The Pole’s superior footwork and timing ensured the contest never truly swung in doubt, as she closed out the match comfortably to reach her 14th career Grand Slam quarter-final.
The victory sets up a blockbuster last eight clash against fifth seed Elena Rybakina. The Kazakh delivered a commanding performance, brushing aside 21st seed Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-3 to seal her place in the quarter-finals.
The fifth seed was clinical from the outset on Margaret Court Arena, firing 10 aces and 32 winners while winning 72 percent of points behind her first serve. Rybakina’s sheer power and depth consistently pushed Mertens onto the defensive, especially in return games where the Belgian struggled to find any rhythm.
After wearing down resistance in the opening set, the Kazakhstani continued to dictate play in the second, stepping inside the court to punish second serves and break at key moments.
Even when Mertens briefly settled, Rybakina’s relentless shot-making ensured she remained firmly in charge, closing out the contest in just one hour and 17 minutes.
Match details
- Tournament: Australian Open 2026
- Round: Quarter-Finals
- Date: January 28
- Venue: Melbourne, Australia
- Surface: Hard Court
Preview
Rybakina and Swiatek renew one of the WTA’s most compelling rivalries, with the head-to-head finely poised and form lines sharply contrasting. Rybakina’s game is built around first serve dominance and flat power off both wings, reflected in her superior ace count, service games won, and break points saved in 2026.
On hard courts in particular, her ability to take the ball early and shorten points has repeatedly troubled Swiatek, including notable wins at the Australian Open and Indian Wells in past seasons.
As the best server with most aces on tour, the Kazakh is proving to be a force to reckon, having shown her heroics previously during the WTA Riyadh Finals.
Swiatek, has undergone a major overhaul in her game, particularly to counter Rybakina-like players, who are strong ball-hitters. She has introduced higher-pace stroke making often at the cost of unforced errors. But where the Pole will look to find the edge over her nemesis, is using her touch, creativity, and skills.
Unlike Rybakina, Swiatek’s net-game is much better, and the Kazakh has faltered to opponents who mix it up. With losses to players like Karolina Muchova and Markéta Vondroušová proving that the more you make Rybakina run toward the net, higher the chances of winning the point, Swiatek will have to adopt a tactical masterclass, in order to advance to the final four.
Form
- Iga Swiatek: W-W-W-W-L
- Elena Rybakina: W-W-W-W-L
Head-to-head record
- Matches: 11
- Iga Swiatek: 6
- Elena Rybakina: 5
For full head-to-head record click here.
Stats
Iga Swiatek
- Swiatek has a 6-2 win-loss record in the 2026 season
- Swiatek has a 25-7 win-loss record at the Australian Open
- Swiatek has won 78% of matches played on hard courts
Elena Rybakina
- Rybakina has a 6-1 win-loss record in the 2026 season
- Rybakina has a 18-6 win-loss record at the Australian Open
- Rybakina has won 68% of matches played on hard courts
Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina: Betting tips and odds
- Moneyline: Rybakina -114, Swiatek -102
- Spread: Rybakina -0.5 (-106), Swiatek +0.5 (-110)
- Total Games: Over 22.5 (-105), Under 23.5 (-145)
- 1st Set Winner: Rybakina -110, Swiatek -107
Match prediction
Rybakina came back from a set down against Swiatek in Riyadh, to break a four-match losing streak against the Pole. The Kazakh is yet to drop a set in Melbourne, having blasted her way through serves and bullish returns. Her serving accuracy, and consistency will be pivotal.
Rybakina will be vary that Swiatek will use her touch and drop shots to bring the fifth seed to the net as often as possible, aiming to break her rhythm and expose her net-game. Hence, it’s crucial for Rybakina to assert control in rallies and not let Swiatek dictate terms.
For the World No. 2, she must try to bring back the ball in play during Rybakina’s serve, else the match could slip very quickly. She needs to try to attack Rybakina’s forehand down-the-line potential weak link, and make her move as much as possible.
Should Iga execute her plans to perfection and serve out her own games with accuracy and reduced unforced errors, she might be able to prevail. A blockbuster contest awaits, as a peaking Rybakina is not only a threat, but a big contender for the title as well.
A win for either players will give them a lot of confidence as they look to add a maiden Australian Open crown to their cabinet.
Result: Iga Swiatek to win in three sets.
Where and how to watch live telecast and live streaming of Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina, quarter-final match at Australian Open 2026?
The quarter-final round in women’s singles will be available for the Indian viewers on the Sony Sports Network on TV and its streaming service Sony Liv.
In the USA, the first Major of the year is being telecasted on the ESPN sports network and is being streamed on Fubo. In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Eurosport. It will also be available for users on the Discovery+ app.
For worldwide broadcast details click here.
Where and when will Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina quarter-final match take place?
The last eight match between Swiatek and Rybakina will be played at the Rod Laver Arena on January 28 (Wednesday). It is scheduled to begin at 11:30 am local time and 6:00 am IST in India.
What is the head-to-head between Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina?
They pair have clashed 11 times on tour previously, with the Pole leading with six wins. Only two of those have come at Grand Slam, where both players are level at 1-1.
Did Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina meet at Australian Open previously?
Their only previous Australian Open meeting came in 2023 when Rybakina defeated Swiatek in straight sets (6-4, 6-4) in the round of 16.
What happened in the last meeting between Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina?
Swiatek and Rybakina last clashed in the WTA Finals. Rybakina won that meeting after fighting back from a set down in the round-robin stage. The Kazakh won 3-6, 6-1, 6-0.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.