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Updated 24/01/2024 at 23:46 GMT
Aryna Sabalenka wants to banish the memory of her US Open final defeat to Coco Gauff when the pair meet in the last four of the Australian Open. The American won in three sets at Flushing Meadows in September. Sabalenka, who is yet to drop a set in Melbourne, is vowing to gain “revenge” for that loss, as she attempts to defend the title she won twelve months ago.
Gauff says ‘it’s always a tough match’ against Sabalenka ahead of blockbuster semi-final
Aryna Sabalenka says she will be out for “revenge” when she faces Coco Gauff in the Australian Open semi-finals.
The match is a repeat of last year’s US Open final, which the American won 2-6 6-3 6-2, collecting her first Grand Slam title in the process.
Sabalenka has enjoyed a sensational run to the last four, securing straight-sets victories over each of her five opponents so far, including Barbora Krejcíkova in the quarter-finals.
And the Belarusian admits she’s motivated by the defeat inflicted upon her at Flushing Meadows in September.
“After the US Open, I really wanted that revenge,” she said. “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 semi-final match. She’s moving really well. Everything you do on the court is coming back. She’s a great player, and I’m really excited to play her.”
Sabalenka has been a model of consistency in majors over the last 18 months, reaching at least the semi-finals of each of the last six Grand Slam events.
That includes winning the title in Melbourne 12 months ago, when she beat former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the final.
Should she win against Gauff, the 25-year-old will be the favourite to defend the title, given her opponent will be either Qinwen Zheng or qualifier Dayana Yastremska, neither of whom have previously been this far in a major.
But where Sabalenka once struggled to get over the line when the odds were stacked in her favour, she now thrives under the pressure of expectation.
Sabalenka too strong for Krejcikova as she reaches semis – Australian Open highlights
“I’m not getting crazy on court, I’m not rushing things,” she said of a change of mindset that has paid dividends.
“I’m just playing point by point and that’s it, fighting for every point without over thinking about my dreams.
“I just decided at some point I needed to figure out by myself how to start controlling myself better. I think that decision was the biggest decision for me and I started actually taking responsibility for everything I’m doing.”
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