November 4, 2024
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka returned to the Australian Open final after defeating No.4 Coco Gauff 7-6(2), 6-4 in the semifinals on Thursday night.
The World No.2 successfully avenged her US Open final loss to the American to advance to her third major final.
“It was an incredible match,” Sabalenka said. “She’s a great player, always tough battles against her. I think the key was that I was able to stay focused no matter what, no matter what the score was, I just kept trying my best, kept fighting for it.
“Of course I’m super happy to be in another final of the Grand Slam. Hopefully I can do a little bit better than the last time.”
Sabalenka, 25, is the first player to reach back-to-back Australian Open finals since Serena Williams in 2016 and 2017. She is bidding to become the first player to win back-to-back titles in Melbourne since Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013. She has not lost a set through her six matches in Melbourne, improving her 2024 match record to 10-1.
Sabalenka will face either China’s Zheng Qinwen on Saturday for the title.
The Chinese and No.12 seed defeated qualifier Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 6-4, claiming the battle of two first-time Grand Slam semifinalists in 1 hour and 42 minutes.
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