Australian Open 2024: Aryna Sabalenka delivers dominant display over Coco Gauff to reach back-to-back finals
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Updated 25/01/2024 at 11:26 GMT
Aryna Sabalenka delivered a dominant display as she secured victory over Coco Gauff on Thursday to book her place in the final of the Australian Open for a second consecutive year. The reigning champion claimed a 7-6(2) 6-4 win against the American and enacted revenge over Gauff who defeated her in the US Open final in September. Sabalenka will play Zheng Qinwen or Dayana Yastremska in the final.
Sabalenka makes it back-to-back Australian Open finals after overcoming Gauff
Aryna Sabalenka produced a dominant performance to come away victorious in the semi-finals of the Australian Open against Coco Gauff on Thursday.
The reigning champion secured a 7-6(2) 6-4 win over the American to book her place in the final.
Prior to the match, Sabalenka said she was keen for revenge after Gauff beat her in the US Open final in September.
The world No. 2 got what she desired as she delivered a stunning display and continued her record of not dropping a single set in this year's Australian Open.
Sabalenka will either face 12th seed Qinwen Zheng or qualifier Dayana Yastremska in the final.
"I was able to focus on myself and was prepared that she was going to move [well]," Sabalenka said on the court after her win. "She put all the balls back to me, and I had to be ready to play an extra shot.
"I was ready for anything tonight and that was the key. Last time I played her I didn’t have any support! It’s definitely felt like home; I really appreciate the support and the atmosphere. You make this place feel very special to me.
"I really [enjoy playing against Coco]. It’s always great fun; she’s an incredible player. I really enjoy playing her. Win or lose, it’s a great match and she’s a great player. I really hope that we play many more finals and that I win them."
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'I hope we play many more finals' - Sabalenka on Gauff rivalry after reaching final
Asked about winning the semi-final with legend Billie Jean King in attendance, Sabalenka said: "I couldn’t dream about playing in front of [legends].
"Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for our sport. It’s a privilege to play in front of you.
It was a disappointing defeat for Gauff, who lost in a major semi-final for the first time in her young career.
The American struggled with unforced errors at key moments throughout the match, including eight double faults.
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'She impressed me so much' - Experts react to Sabalenka victory over Gauff in semi-final
Sabalenka enjoyed a blistering start to the semi, managing to break Gauff twice and racing into a 5-2 lead in the opening set.
However, Gauff battled back in fine style and recovered from her slow start to force a tie-break.
It was Sabalenka who dominated the tie-break and claimed a first set in just under an hour.
In the opening game of the second set, Gauff showed her resilience once again as she survived two break points and recovered from two double faults to go 1-0 up.
Sabalenka's serve was impressive throughout the match but she continued to miss break-point chances in the second set.
All of that changed in the ninth game of the set where she finally managed to break Gauff to serve for the match.
The world No. 2 managed to hold her nerve and win the match, and becomes the first player to reach back-to-back Australian Open finals since Serena Williams in 2016 and 2017.
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