The stage is set at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne for one of the most anticipated women’s singles semi-final matches at the 2026 Australian Open, as Jessica Pegula takes on Elena Rybakina with a coveted spot in the championship match on the line. Both players have stormed through the draw with strong performances — and now the tennis world is tuning in to see who will emerge victorious.
The match is scheduled for Thursday, January 29, 2026 — the penultimate Thursday of the tournament — as part of Day 12 action at Melbourne Park. Typically, Pegula vs Rybakina will not begin until after the earlier semi-final (Sabalenka vs Svitolina) wraps up, meaning it could start late in the evening depending on how long the first match runs.
Live Streaming & TV Broadcast
For fans in the United States, the match will be shown live on ESPN and streamed through ESPN Unlimited. Coverage typically begins early in the morning local time, with the Pegula–Rybakina semi scheduled not before around 5 a.m. ET once the first women’s match finishes. A re-air of the match is also set for later in the day on ESPN2 for those who miss the live window.
International viewers have several options too. In India, the semi-final action is broadcast on the Sony Sports Network with live streaming available on the Sony LIV app, while across Europe platforms like Eurosport and Discovery+ carry the matches live — great for fans in the UK, Spain, and beyond.
Why This Match Matters
Both Pegula and Rybakina enter the semi-final with confidence. Pegula, finally reaching her first Australian Open semi, has impressed with consistent serving and smart point-play through the earlier rounds. Meanwhile, Rybakina has been clinical, defeating high-ranking opponents and maintaining composure with powerful groundstrokes and serve. Their head-to-head record sits evenly at 3–3, promising a tight, compelling encounter.
With a place in the final on the line, this clash promises high-quality tennis and intense drama. For fans around the globe, knowing when and where to watch ensures you won’t miss a moment of what could be one of the standout matches of the 2026 Australian Open.