Aryna Sabalenka storms past Barbora Krejcikova to set up Coco Gauff semi-final at 2024 Australian Open
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Updated 23/01/2024 at 11:42 GMT
Can anyone stop Aryna Sabalenka at the 2024 Australian Open? The world No. 2 beat Barbora Krejcikova to reach the semi-finals without having dropped a set. Sabalenka has looked in fantastic form and will next meet Coco Gauff, who won their last meeting in the final of the 2023 US Open. Sabalenka is the defending champion in Melbourne and is into her sixth straight Grand Slam semi-final.
'What?! Most unexpected shot ever!' - Sabalenka mixing it up in the opener
Aryna Sabalenka continued her commanding march towards the defence of her Australian Open title with a straight-sets win over Barbora Krejcikova in the quarter-finals.
The world No. 2 is yet to drop a set in Melbourne and powered her way to a 6-2 6-3 victory over ninth seed Krejcikova in 71 minutes.
Next up for Sabalenka in the semi-finals will be Coco Gauff, who dropped her first set of the tournament in overcoming world No. 35 Marta Kostyuk in the last eight.
Gauff beat Sabalenka when they last met in the final of the 2023 US Open, but the second seed will likely start as favourite this time due to her scintillating form over the last 10 days.
"It was a great match today, I played great tennis," said Sabalenka.
"I hope that I can keep playing that way or even better. It’s all because of the atmosphere. I think I have the best support here.
"I’ve been working so hard last year and in pre-season. It’s all about hard work, giving it all on the practice court so you’re ready for a match as best as you can be."
While the top half of the women's draw opened up following the shock exits of Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula, the bottom half has panned out as expected.
The only surprise perhaps is just how dominant Sabalenka has been in striding into her sixth successive Grand Slam semi-final.
Having dropped just 11 games in four matches before facing Krejcikova, she was soon in control against the ninth seed.
An angled cross-court forehand secured Sabalenka a break in the third game before a powerful return forced an error for a 4-1 lead.
Krejcikova showed some resistance as she broke straight back, helped by a double fault and missed backhand from Sabalenka.
But hopes of a comeback were brief as Sabalenka won the next game and then served out the set with a love hold.
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'A majestic performance' from Sabalenka who wins in straight sets
Sabalenka continued to have too much firepower for Krejcikova in the second set, ripping back-to-back forehand winners to hold to love in her first service game.
Krejcikova had no answers and handed over another break in the third game.
Another dismissive Sabalenka forehand gave her a chance for a 4-1 lead, and she broke when Krejcikova missed wide with a backhand.
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Wilander compares Sabalenka play with 'power game of Serena Williams'
Krejcikova slowed Sabalenka’s march to victory by getting one break back and then holding serve.
But just as it looked like Krejcikova might get back on level terms, Sabalenka drilled a forehand winner into the corner followed by two big serves to move 5-3 ahead.
Fittingly, the defending champion rounded off a one-sided win with a break to love.
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