Aryna Sabalenka finally got back at Coco Gauff and was rewarded with a place in the 2024 Australian Open final.
The defending champion dropped 33 winners to take down Gauff, 7-6(2), 6-4, at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday. It was a rematch of last year’s US Open finalists, where Gauff defeated Sabakenka for the crown.
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Things were different this time, as the world No.2 proved steadier in the second set. It took one hour and 44 minutes for Sabalenka to return to the final at Melbourne Park.
“I really enjoy playing (Gauff). She’s an incredible player. Win or lose, it’s great matches,” Sabalenka said.
“I really hope in the future we’re going to play many more finals,” the Belarussian added.
Sabalenka will have to contend with No.12 seed Zheng Qinwen in the final to claim her second straight Australian Open title. Zheng eliminated Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska, 6-4, 6-4, in the other semifinal.
The Beijing native becomes only the second Chinese player to reach the final in Melbourne Park. Should she beat Sabalenka, Zheng will match Li Na as the second Chinese to win the Australian Open.
