Sabalka’s penalty was justified; fans have no reason to complain, while Svitolina accepts her defeat gracefully, and Zhang Shuai nears the TOP 10 ranking.

In just three minutes daily, stay updated on global tennis news. Hello tennis fans, today is Friday, January 30, 2026. Welcome to the midday news report from "Tennis Home."

At noon Beijing time today, the 13th day of the 2026 Australian Open will see two men’s singles semifinals take place one after another. The top seed Alcaraz will face the third seed Zverev in the daytime session, starting around 11:30 AM. The ten-time champion Djokovic will meet two-time defending champion Sinner in the evening session, beginning at approximately 4:30 PM. The big matches are about to begin—fans should not miss them!

Let’s review yesterday’s results. In the women’s singles semifinals that concluded last night Beijing time, top seed Sabalenka and sixth seed Rybakina defeated Ukraine’s Svitolina and American Pegula respectively, setting up their second Australian Open final encounter. This outcome matched pre-tournament fan predictions and the odds given by European BC company.

However, the hottest topic at yesterday’s Australian Open was not the upcoming “Double Ba Final” but Sabalenka being penalized for “interference” due to vocalizations during the match by the chair umpire. This dramatic moment quickly sparked widespread debate. Most fans sided with Sabalenka, criticizing the umpire for “making trouble” and viewing the penalty as unjust. Meanwhile, some fans believed the umpire’s decision was in line with Grand Slam officiating rules and that Sabalenka’s penalty was fair.

This group of fans pointed out that there are clear guidelines on whether a player’s vocal sounds constitute “interference.” Usually, vocalizations made during a stroke are considered part of the player’s technique and are not penalized. However, if the nature of the vocalization changes and occurs after the stroke is completed, it is deemed “interference.” Of course, the umpire has discretion to call or not call it. If the opponent challenges, the penalty must be given; if the umpire wishes to ensure fair play, they may also call it voluntarily. Therefore, Sabalenka’s penalty for a non-original vocal sound made after striking the ball is justified, and there is no need to defend her further.

Ukraine’s Svitolina, who lost decisively 2-6, 3-6 to Sabalenka, said in the post-match press conference that she played well and accepted defeat against a stronger opponent, expressing respect for the loss. “I am very satisfied with my performance over the past two weeks in New Zealand and here, and I have won many matches. Of course, not advancing tonight is disappointing, but playing against the in-form world number one was very challenging. I think my returns were good, but her second-shot returns were incredible—fast, accurate, and powerful after the serve. That’s why she is world number one.”

In women’s doubles, the Chinese-Belgian pair Zhang Shuai and Mertens defeated the Japanese-Russian duo Shibahara Ena and Zvonareva 6-3, 6-2 to reach the final, where they will compete against Danilina and Krunic for the title. After earning 1300 points, Mertens reclaimed the world number one doubles ranking. Zhang Shuai’s doubles ranking also rose to 12th, approaching the TOP 10. If they win the championship, Zhang Shuai’s doubles ranking will definitely return to the top ten.

Finally, let’s play a guessing game. The photo below shows a player returning a shot during a match. She has retired—can you recognize who she is?

Last time’s guess was answered correctly by fans. Yes, the person in the picture is the American star Anisimova.

(Source: Tennis Home Author: Lone Maverick)