AO 2026 Semi Final: Sabalenka v Svitolina

[britbox]

Who Wins?

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

Sabalenka in 2. She has been dominant at this slam the last 4 years. It's going to take a special performance, like Keys had last year, to beat Saba.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Sabalenka holds a 5-1 H2H over Svitolina, the last time they played was on a HC in 2024 at Cinncy, Saba won in straight sets.
Even though I was soo impressed with the way Elina dismantle Gauff yesterday in the QF, as I was live at RLA,
To me Sabalenka is the front runner to hold the womens trophy at this years AO 2026
I will be live at RLA for this semi final, I may have to take ear plugs

 

[Front242]

I hate the screaming, but I hate the political bs with these Ukrainians even more, so I hope Sabalenka beats her like an Oreshnik.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I hate the screaming, but I hate the political bs with these Ukrainians even more, so I hope Sabalenka beats her like an Oreshnik.

Fronty as I am at the AO this year I will be at RLA for this SF I will be taking my ear plugs with me I dont need deafness at my age btw.
When I watch Saba at home on my tv at least I can mute her

 

[Front242]

Fronty as I am at the AO this year I will be at RLA for this SF I will be taking my ear plugs with me I dont need deafness at my age btw.
When I watch Saba at home on my tv at least I can mute her

Yeah her play is nice to watch but the screaming is an obvious hindrance to her opponents but none of the umpires have the courage to do anything about it. It's beyond a joke. She should be docked points till she cuts it out.

 

[Moxie]

I hate the screaming, but I hate the political bs with these Ukrainians even more, so I hope Sabalenka beats her like an Oreshnik.

Wow, I don't know why the Ukrainians aren't entitled to small protests. Their country is being pummeled, and right now, in the midst of a very cold winter, Putin has deliberately attacked the heating plants that heat their homes. Deliberately freezing them. Now, IMO, tennis is making a toothless statement by continuing not to show Russian and Belarussian flags next to players names. So what? But I'd leave the Ukrainian players alone. They haven't been really overtly political on court beyond the refusal to shake hands. I'll be rooting for Svitolina to give her country a boost, though I won't hold out much hope for her to win it. I like Saba a lot, anyway.

I don't mind the noise, but @MargaretMcAleer, since you'll be there live, I guess earplugs are your only option. I hope you get a good match!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Wow, I don't know why the Ukrainians aren't entitled to small protests. Their country is being pummeled, and right now, in the midst of a very cold winter, Putin has deliberately attacked the heating plants that heat their homes. Deliberately freezing them. Now, IMO, tennis is making a toothless statement by continuing not to show Russian and Belarussian flags next to players names. So what? But I'd leave the Ukrainian players alone. They haven't been really overtly political on court beyond the refusal to shake hands. I'll be rooting for Svitolina to give her country a boost, though I won't hold out much hope for her to win it. I like Saba a lot, anyway.

I don't mind the noise, but @MargaretMcAleer, since you'll be there live, I guess earplugs are your only option. I hope you get a good match!

Thanks Moxie, I hope it is also a good match

 

[britbox]

Sabalenka is the heavy favourite with the bookies.

 

[Vince Evert]

I pick Saba wins it in three, but she wins the third by decisive score.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I am heading down to RLA for the first womens SF yes I have some ear plugs with me just in case, wish me luck

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I am seated in RLA great seats opposite the umpires chair
Jess Pegula and Elena Rybakina currently hitting up with their hitting coaches

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Rybskina is such a clean hitting of the ball.the sound off her racquet is crisp and clean her coach Vukov never shuts up b

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

My seat is just 7 rows from the court I hope I don't get a ball smacked in my direction oh I forgot Novak isn't playing LOL

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

The roof is closed for some reason not raining

 

[britbox]

What are the temperatures?

 

[britbox]

Live Chat Format is open if you refresh browser on the home page.

 

[britbox]

Who was the last ladies player to be #1 in Singles and Doubles before Sabalenka?

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

The roof is opened

 

[britbox]

Big Hold from Saba. Making a statement early doors.