Aryna Sabalenka v Elina Svitolina live: Australian Open latest score updates from semi-final clash

Novak Djokovic was pleased to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open without any “major” physical issues as he issued an update on a troublesome foot blister ahead of his showdown against Jannik Sinner.

Djokovic admitted he was “extremely lucky” to survive his quarter-final meeting with Lorenzo Musetti, as the Italian retired from the match due to a leg injury while leading 2-0 in sets.

It was another boost for Djokovic as the 38-year-old bids to win a record 25th grand slam title and become the oldest Australian Open champion of all time, although he will be the underdog against defending champion Sinner on Friday.

At the age of 31, Elina Svitolina is through to the Australian Open semi-finals for the first time, having lost her three previous appearances.

Overall, if Svitolina wins today, she would reach her first grand slam final at her 48th appearance, which would be the third-most appearances before reaching a grand slam final in history.

“I don’t really look that far ahead. I try to take the match as it is. It’s going to be another big challenge.

“I’m a step away from the final, but it’s important to focus on my recovery, on my tactical things that I have to work on. Just be ready for big challenge.

“Now I have the experience from previous years. Of course, I cannot not give myself credit from what I achieved years ago, because winning the WTA Finals, playing against great players at that time, and also playing semi-finals, for me, still was a great achievement.

“I think without that achievement, I wouldn’t be who I am right now.”

A devastated Lorenzo Musetti said he had “no words” to describe his disappointment after he was forced to retire from his Australian Open quarter-final against Novak Djokovic while two sets up.

The 23-year-old Italian looked on course for the biggest win of his career as he deservedly led Djokovic 6-4 6-3, but the fifth seed was struck down by a right leg injury that became more painful in the third.

Aryna Sabalenka is one win away from a fourth consecutive Australian Open final. The world No 1 has shown remarkably consistency in reaching an eighth consecutive grand slam semi-final on a hard court.

Sabalenka has won all three matches she has played against Svitolina since the Ukrainian returned to the tour as a mother in 2023.

“I think every player when they get to the tournament is trophy or nothing. The mentality is the same, and it’s always in the back of your mind that obviously you want to win it.

“But I’m trying to shift my focus on the right things and taking it step by step and just trying my best in each match, each point, each game, each set. That’s my mentality.”

Day Twelve – Thursday 29 January

Aryna Sabalenka [1] vs. Elina Svitolina (UKR) [12]

Jessica Pegula (USA) [6] vs. Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [5] T

It’s women’s semi-final day at the Australian Open as Aryna Sabalenka bids to return to a fourth straight final at Melbourne Park,

The world No 1 has been in dominant form as she seeks a third title in four years, following last season’s shock defeat to Madison Keys.

After impressive wins over teenagers Victoria Mboko and Iva Jokic, Sabalenka now faces the experience of Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina.

Svitolina is fresh from demolishing Coco Gauff in the quarter-finals, and has the chance to advance to her first grand slam final at the age of 31.

In the other semi-final, Elena Rybakina, runner-up to Sabalenka in 2023, takes on Jessica Pegula, who like Svitolina is on the hunt of a first major title.

Rybakina continued her strong form from last season’s WTA Finals by ending Iga Swiatek’s career grand slam bid, while Pegula beat Amanda Anisimova.