Elena Rybakina vs Elise Mertens Highlights, Australian Open: Former World No. 3 Dominates Round 4 to Enter Quarterfinals – Watch Now
The roof was closed at Margaret Court Arena, but there was no stopping the thunderous serve of Elena Rybakina. In a clinical display of power tennis, the 2022 Australian Open runner-up dismantled Belgium’s Elise Mertens in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3, to secure her place in the 2026 Australian Open quarterfinals.
For Rybakina, this victory is more than just another win; it marks her first Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance since Wimbledon 2024, signaling a definitive end to a period of early exits and health struggles.
Match Summary: A Masterclass in Power
From the first serve, Rybakina looked every bit the favorite. Having entered the match with a 6-1 head-to-head advantage over Mertens, the Kazakhstani star used her height and explosive forehand to push Mertens deep behind the baseline, never allowing the Belgian to find her rhythm.
| Set | Score | Key Stats |
| Set 1 | 6-1 | Rybakina hit 12 winners; Mertens struggled with second-serve points. |
| Set 2 | 6-3 | Mertens fought back to 2-2, but Rybakina won 4 of the last 5 games. |
| Final | 2-0 | Match duration: 1 hour and 13 minutes. |
The Breakdown: How Rybakina Won
1. The Dominant Start
Rybakina wasted no time, breaking Mertens in the very first game of the match. While Mertens is known for her defensive craft and variety, she had no answer for the pace coming off Rybakina’s racket. The first set was a blur, lasting just over 30 minutes as Rybakina surged to a 5-1 lead before closing it out 6-1.
2. Mertens’ Brief Resistance
The second set offered more drama. Mertens, a former World No. 12, began to use her trademark slice and drop shots to pull Rybakina forward. The score leveled at 2-2, and for a moment, it seemed like the Belgian might force a decider. However, Rybakina responded by amping up her service speed, firing an ace to hold for 3-2 and never looking back.
3. Closing the Door
Leading 5-3, Rybakina pressured the Mertens serve one last time. A series of deep backhand returns forced Mertens into errors, and on her first match point, Rybakina sealed the win with a clinical forehand winner.
What’s Next for Elena Rybakina?
With this win, Rybakina moves into the final eight, where she is projected to face the winner of the blockbuster clash between World No. 2 Iga Swiatek and Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis.
“I’m happy with the win. Today I felt more confident in my movement,” Rybakina said in her post-match interview. “I feel that I am not at my best tennis yet, but I am finding my gears match by match.”
Full Highlights & Live Coverage
If you missed the live action, you can catch the full replay and point-by-point breakdown on the official Australian Open platforms.
📺 WATCH NOW: Australian Open Official Highlights 📊 LIVE SCORE UPDATES: Outlook Sports Desk
#ElenaRybakina #EliseMertens #AusOpen #AustralianOpen2026 #TennisHighlights #WTA #Quarterfinals #WatchNow