Jessica Pegula is back in this semi-final contest in the nick of time!

Another Elena Rybakina forehand sails long - and from three match points in the previous game, it is now 5-5 in this second set.

What's this now?

Jessica Pegula has a break point opportunity on Elena Rybakina's serve!

The 31-year-old goes back to basics once again, keeping the ball in play and rallying until her opponent made the mistake.

Can she see this game out now?

A masterclass in mentality from Jessica Pegula!

The American fends off three match points and holds on to her serve.

Elena Rybakina is back on serve, though, to seal her place in the final.

Jessica Pegula is hanging in there!

The sixth seed defends a second match point by forcing Elena Rybakina to make the first mistake on her forehand - her 21st unforced error of the match.

Then the Kazakh overhits a forehand shot - her 22nd unforced error of the match - to take the pressure off once more.

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Elena Rybakina just needs one more point.

The Kazakh plays some lovely shots, gets Jessica Pegula running side-to-side, and forces the American to make a mistake on her backhand.

It just looked like she jammed up a little bit as she took that shot. It didn't look comfortable at all.

Elena Rybakina is keen to apply as much pressure as she can right now - and she forces things to deuce.

The pair have been on court for one hour and 10 minutes, and it looks like the Kazakh is ready to finish this semi-final off!

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Can Jessica Pegula hold on just a little while longer?

Two of her five career Grand Slam top-10 wins have come this week alone, so she will take plenty of confidence from that fact.

A strong serve and a netted backhand return sees her open up a 30-15 lead on serve.

Elena Rybakina moves to within one game of her second Australian Open final with a lightning-quick ace out wide.

The Kazakh, who is yet to drop a set in this year's tournament, is in full control on Rod Laver Arena.

Over to you, Jessica Pegula - the ball is firmly in your court.

Abigail Johnson
Commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds

Pegula has come back from this position in a Grand Slam semi-final before. She trailed Karolina Muchova in 2024 before her showdown with Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open.

There is a different feeling tonight though.

Jessica Pegula gets an important service hold at an important time.

She might be having a tough time out there, but she hasn't given up just yet.

Elena Rybakina overhits her forehand at 40-30, making her 10th unforced error of this second set. She needs to cut down on those if she is to see this out in straight sets.

Abigail Johnson
Commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds

Pegula's shoulders sag, the hands strain towards her team as she dips her head with a resigned look.

It's not really in her personality, but you'd love to see her raise a fist or become more of a presence at the baseline.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Elena Rybakina races to another service hold to 30.

She has capitalised on her strong service game throughout the entirety of this semi-final encounter, hitting three aces and winning 80% of her first-serve points in this second set.

Jessica Pegula is receiving constant encouragement from the sidelines. Her coach is still trying to encourage her with a few 'come ons' in between points, but that's just about all he can do.

What can she do? She can break back again!

Credit to Jessica Pegula who managed to defend the first break point with a thunderous serve followed by a smash at the net, but a wildly mis-hit backhand is less than desired at this point in the match.

Elena Rybakina is well and truly back on top.

Unrelenting pressure from Elena Rybakina...

The Kazakh posts an immediate reply by opening up a 15-40 lead on Jessica Pegula's serve.

What can she do here?

That's the Jessica Pegula everyone knows and loves!

The sixth seed takes her chance at the first time of asking by dragging Elena Rybakina out wide on her forehand side.

She goes back to basics and waits for her opponent to make the first mistake - and it works!

Game on.

Here's a break-back opportunity for Jessica Pegula though!

An uncharacteristic backhand error from Elena Rybakina hands the American a lifeline at 30-40...

I'm sure Jessica Pegula is thinking: 'Oh, here we go again!'

The American, who is making her Australian Open semi-final debut, makes the brave decision to approach the net at 30-30 but just doesn't do enough with the first volley and allows her opponent to capitalise.

Then Elena Rybakina hits a fantastic forehand winner at 30-40 which sails past Pegula's waving hand.

Her coach is getting involved now. He is trying to encourage her from the sidelines with a few 'come ons', but she looks so frustrated.

Image source, Getty Images

It's winner after winner for Elena Rybakina at the moment!

The Kazakh has already racked up 11 winners in this semi-final, including a subtle volleyed winner for 30-15 and a thumped forehand winner down the line for the service hold at 40-30.

She is playing some lovely loose shots, which always tends to happen when you have that one-set buffer.

Pat Cash
Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Rybakina's first-serve percentage is 48%, but the second serve is doing so much damage that it doesn't really matter.

Jessica Pegula, that's more like it!

The sixth seed stamps her authority at the start of this second set with a service hold to 15, complete with a fantastic ace out wide.

She won just 58% of her first-serve points and 57% of her second-serve points in the opening set, so she will be hoping to improve those numbers in this set.