In an amazing match on Thursday, Aryna Sabalenka defeated American Coco Gauff 7-6(2), 6-4, to get to the Australian Open second round. In the championship match, she will now face Dayana Yastremska, a qualifier, or Zheng Qinwen.
According to Opta, Sabalenka defeated world number four Gauff in a Grand Slam match, the highest-ranked opponent of her career.
In addition, Sabalenka is the first female since Serena Williams in 2016 and 2017 to advance to the Australian Open singles semifinals.
In a rematch of their September U.S. Open final, Sabalenka started strongly, holding her serve and then taking advantage of two double faults from Gauff to break.
However, Gauff recovered quickly, and the two exchanged breaks once more. The 19-year-old New York winner was still having difficulties with her serve, but Sabalenka had time to compose herself after going behind 6-5 in an exciting rally that necessitated a tiebreak to win the opening set.
After a back-and-forth fight, the second set finished in a 4–4 draw between the two competitors. With the help of Gauff’s two strong serves and long shot, the 25-year-old second seed, Sabalenka, prevailed by using strength to counteract Gauff’s agility.
She is an extremely skilled player. I’m having so much fun playing her. These are excellent matchups, regardless of the outcome. It is my earnest hope that, in the future, we will have the opportunity to play in many more championship games. “After the game, I want to win every single one of them,” Sabalenka said.
After triumphing against her countrywoman Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013, Sabalenka now aims to create history by being the first female champion of the Australian Open.
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