Australian Open 2026: Eight-Time Grand Slam Champions Shockingly Eliminated in Hours
The women’s bracket at the Australian Open 2026 faced an unprecedented shake-up as two top-seeded players were eliminated in rapid succession. World No. 2 Iga Swiatek and No. 3 Coco Gauff both exited the tournament within hours, leading to widespread astonishment among tennis fans.
Astonishing Losses in Quarters
Coco Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam champion, was the first to fall. Within 60 minutes, she lost to 12th seed Elina Svitolina with a score of 1-6, 2-6. Just 18 hours later, Swiatek experienced a shocking defeat against former Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina, losing 5-7, 1-6 in a match lasting just 95 minutes.
Grand Slam Talents Depart
The two losses resulted in the elimination of eight Grand Slam titles from the tournament in less than three hours of play. Gauff’s victories include the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open. Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, has claimed four French Open titles, as well as one each at Wimbledon and the US Open.
A Look at the Winners
- Elina Svitolina: Defeated Gauff in a swift quarter-final match.
- Elena Rybakina: Overcame Swiatek, repeating her success from the previous year’s WTA Finals.
The victories by Svitolina and Rybakina marked the exit of the champions of the last five French Opens, along with the past two US Opens and the 2025 Wimbledon champion.
Swiatek’s Quest for a Career Grand Slam
Despite her impressive record, Swiatek has not advanced past the semi-finals at the Australian Open. With this year’s loss, she still seeks to complete her career Grand Slam, needing the Australian Open title to do so.
Insights from Rybakina
Rybakina expressed her strategy. “We know each other pretty well and I was just trying to stay aggressive,” she said. “In the second set, I started to play more freely and served better.” With this win over Swiatek, Rybakina ties their head-to-head record at six wins each.
Upcoming Semi-Finals
Elena Rybakina is now set to face Jessica Pegula, who advanced after defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-6 (7-1). Meanwhile, Svitolina will compete against Aryna Sabalenka, who reached the semi-finals following a decisive victory over 18-year-old Iva Jovic.
Fan Reactions
The early exits of Gauff and Swiatek left fans in disbelief. Many expressed their surprise, with comments highlighting the unexpected nature of the outcomes. One fan noted, “Really thought one of Iga and Coco would at least make the semis but they both got outplayed.” Another added, “Iga and Coco losing in straight sets was not what anyone saw coming.”
The Australian Open continues to deliver thrilling upsets, reminding us of the unpredictability of sports.
