Key Highlights
- The Australian Open 2026 is in full swing with four spots remaining for the semifinals.
- Notable matches include Iga Swiatek vs. Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula vs. Amanda Anisimova, both American women’s quarterfinals.
- Novak Djokovic faces Lorenzo Musetti in a match that could see him advance to his 13th Australian Open semifinal.
- Ben Shelton is set for a tough battle against Jannik Sinner, with the defending champion holding an 8-1 head-to-head record over Shelton.
Day 11 of the Australian Open: Quarterfinals Preview
The Australian Open 2026 is heating up as we enter Day 11, with four spots still up for grabs in both men’s and women’s singles draws. Four key matches will shape the semifinals, each packed with tension and drama.
Women’s Quarterfinals: Swiatek vs. Rybakina
The first match on Rod Laver Arena sees No.2 seed Iga Swiatek take on No.5 seed Elena Rybakina. Swiatek has the edge in their head-to-head with a 6-5 record, but it was Rybakina who triumphed last year, advancing to the final of the Australian Open.
Rybakina is confident but cautious: “We played many times. Of course, I know that I need to stay aggressive and go for my shots,” she said. “But definitely focus for me is my serve, stay aggressive, and yeah, let’s see what’s going to happen.”
American Rivalry: Pegula vs. Anisimova
In a highly anticipated American match, Jessica Pegula faces Amanda Anisimova. Pegula has the upper hand with a 3-0 record against Anisimova, but this is a new chapter for both players as they fight to make their Australian Open semifinal debut.
Anisimova remains optimistic: “I feel like I always have a chance against anyone. It’s not really … in my head, I feel like every match is new and different,” she said. “I think the fact that I’ve never beaten her before is an extra challenge for me.”
Djokovic Takes on Musetti
Following these women’s matches, Novak Djokovic returns to Rod Laver Arena after a fourth-round walkover due to his opponent’s withdrawal. Djokovic faces fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti in a match that could see him reach his 13th Australian Open semifinal.
Musetti has only won one of nine matches against Djokovic, but he remains hopeful: “Playing against Novak is always challenging, especially here, which he won many, many, many times,” said Musetti. “But of course we know each other pretty well because we played a lot … Hopefully I’ll take my revenge, because last time in Athens we were really, really close. I feel like I have another chance now.”
Shelton vs. Sinner: A Defending Champion’s Challenge
The night session brings reigning two-time Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner up against Ben Shelton. Sinner leads the head-to-head 8-1, including a recent victory in the Nitto ATP Finals last year.
Shelton is determined: “For me, like I’ve said in earlier rounds, I have a lot more that I want to do here, and I have a lot more to prove … I’ll be ready to go,” he said. His powerful serve and heavy strokes are key weapons as he aims to break Sinner’s baseline dominance.
The matches set the stage for what could be an exciting semifinals run at the Australian Open 2026, with each player bringing their best game to secure a spot in the final four.