In the quest for revenge, title holder Aryna Sabalenka gears up to face American teenager Coco Gauff in the Australian Open semifinals, seeking redemption for her loss in a thrilling US Open final in September.
Sabalenka, determined to retain the title she secured 12 months ago, has displayed formidable form in Melbourne.
Expressing her eagerness for the upcoming clash, Sabalenka commented, “After the US Open, I really wanted that revenge. It’s always a great battle against Coco, really great fights. I’m happy to play her, and I’m super excited to play the semifinal match.”
The anticipated face-off will commence at 11:30 am on Thursday on Rod Laver Arena. The victor is destined to confront a player who has never reached this stage in a Grand Slam, as Chinese 12th seed Zheng Qinwen and Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska vie for a spot in Saturday’s final in the second semifinal.
Reflecting on her emotional racquet-smashing reaction after the US Open final loss to Gauff, Sabalenka has responded emphatically in Melbourne. Unfazed and yet to drop a set, she has conceded only 16 games across five matches, with her longest match taking 71 minutes to dismiss Czech ninth seed Barbora Krejcikova in the quarterfinals.
Sabalenka’s consistent success at the Grand Slam level, reaching the semifinals in her past six tournaments and eight of her last 10 since Wimbledon in 2021, is attributed to a change in mindset. She emphasized, “I’m not getting crazy on court, I’m not rushing things. I’m just playing point by point and that’s it, fighting for every point without overthinking about my dreams.”
Having reached a level of maturity and self-control, Sabalenka acknowledges that taking responsibility for her actions has been a pivotal decision in her recent success on the court.
The stage is set for a captivating semifinal clash as Sabalenka aims to avenge her previous defeat and continue her dominant run in Melbourne.
Reported By BBC Sports
