Coco Gauff Stunned by Svitolina in Australian Open Quarterfinal
Tennis fans witnessed a major upset at the Australian Open 2026 on Tuesday night as Elina Svitolina delivered a dominant performance, defeating world No.3 Coco Gauff in straight sets. This victory marks Svitolina’s first Grand Slam semifinal appearance since the summer of 2023.
Svitolina’s Masterclass
Svitolina showcased a near-perfect game, securing a 6-1, 6-2 win over the American star. While Coco Gauff struggled with her serve and unforced errors, Svitolina remained composed and clinical, capitalizing on every opportunity. The Ukrainian player’s precision and consistency proved too much for Gauff to handle.
The American two-time Grand Slam champion appeared uncharacteristically unsettled under the Rod Laver Arena roof. She committed five double faults early in the match and a total of 26 unforced errors in just 59 minutes of play. This contrasted sharply with Svitolina’s flawless performance.
Gauff’s Struggles and Svitolina’s Rise
Coco Gauff’s performance was plagued by issues with her serve and an unusually high number of unforced errors. She seemed unable to find her rhythm, allowing Svitolina to dictate the pace of the match. This defeat raises questions about Gauff’s form heading into the remainder of the season.
In contrast, Svitolina is enjoying a remarkable resurgence. After prematurely ending her 2025 season, she has returned in exceptional form, remaining undefeated in January. This victory sets her up for a highly anticipated semifinal clash against world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, who earlier defeated Iva Jovic.
Looking Ahead
Svitolina’s impressive run at the Australian Open demonstrates her renewed confidence and skill. Her upcoming match against Sabalenka promises to be a thrilling encounter. The tennis world will be watching closely to see if Svitolina can continue her winning streak and challenge for the title.
More information about the Australian Open can be found on the official Tennis Australia website: https://www.ausopen.com/
© 2026 Tennis Australia. Tennis Australia acknowledges that the AO is held on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country and we extend our respects to Elders past and present and to all First Nations People.
