MELBOURNE: Aryna Sabalenka seeks reclamation for her 2023 US Open defeat to Coco Gauff as they clash in the Australian Open semi-finals, with a spot in the Grand Slam final at stake.
Sabalenka, the Belarusian second seed, had led a set against the American 19-year-old in last year’s Flushing Meadows final but faltered, allowing Gauff to claim victory and thwart Sabalenka’s bid for a second Grand Slam title following her breakthrough at the Australian Open.
They resume their competition in the first women’s semi-final on Rod Laver Arena in the evening, after on court by Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska and Chinese Zheng Qinwen.
While Sabalenka and Gauff boast Grand Slam triumphs, neither Yastremska nor Zheng have advanced to a major final before. With Sabalenka’s dominant form in Melbourne, having conceded only 16 games across five matches, she enters the showdown as the favorite against Gauff.
“Aryna, always a tough match with her. I think she’s playing well this tournament,” said Gauff, who believes her experience from the US Open could prove invaluable.
“It does give me confidence knowing that at least in that stage of a Grand Slam that my nerves are usually settled.”
