Aryna Sabalenka edged closer to defending her Australian Open crown by defeating American Coco Gauff 7-6(2) 6-4 in a sensational match on Thursday to qualify for the final where she will lock horns with Zheng Qinwen or qualifier Dayana Yastremska.
According to Opta, Sabalenka has defeated the highest ranked opponent of her career in a Grand Slam event with the win over world number four Gauff.
Sabalenka is also the first woman to reach back-to-back singles finals at the Australian Open since Serena Williams (2016 and 2017).
In a rematch of their U.S. Open final in September, Sabalenka made a good start as she held her serve before taking advantage of two double faults by Gauff to break.
However, Gauff quickly made a comeback and the pair swapped breaks again but the 19-year-old New York champion continued to struggle on her serve, allowing Sabalenka to settle down after going 6-5 behind in a frantic spell to clinch the first set in a tiebreak.
The pair went toe-to-toe until 4-4 in the second set as Sabalenka replied to Gauff's speed with power and the 25-year-old second seed moved ahead with a decisive break when the teenager hit a shot long before sealing victory with two massive serves.
“She’s an incredible player. I really enjoy playing her. Win or lose, it’s great matches. I really hope in the future we’re going to play many more finals. Hopefully I’m going to win all of them,” Sabalenka said after the match.
Sabalenka will now look to become the first woman to win consecutive Australian Open titles since compatriot Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013.