MELBOURNE – Aryna Sabalenka did not forget that she lost to Coco Gauff in the US Open final last September, and there was only one thing on her mind when she stepped onto Rod Laver Arena on Jan 25 – revenge.
The Belarusian world No. 2 was fully focused, and she took a big step towards retaining her Australian Open crown by beating American fourth seed Gauff 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 in a thriller to reach the final on Jan 27.
The two reigning hard-court Grand Slam champions made contrasting starts, as Sabalenka fired an ace and revved up her forehand to hold before pouncing on two double faults by Gauff to break.
But what followed was an intense contest between two players hoping to forge ahead and win their second Grand Slam title, and it was Sabalenka who held firm to become the first player since Serena Williams in 2016 and 2017 to make back-to-back Melbourne finals.
“I was able to focus on myself. I was thinking she’s going to move really well, put all the balls back to me and I had to be ready to play an extra shot,” the 25-year-old said.
“I was just ready for anything tonight and I think that was the key. And the support (from the crowd), last time I played here I didn’t have almost any support, so thank you so much.
“It’s definitely felt like home. I really appreciate the support and atmosphere. You make this place feel really special.”
Although she was well prepared, the match was not easy.
Gauff woke up and got back in the contest immediately following her early nerves. The 19-year-old hit back right away and the pair swopped breaks again but the teenager continued to teeter on her serve, allowing Sabalenka to settle after going 6-5 down in a frantic spell to clinch the first set in a tiebreak.
The pair were locked together until 4-4 in the second set, as Sabalenka countered Gauff’s speed with power. The second seed then edged ahead with a decisive break when her opponent hit a shot long, before sealing victory with two massive serves.
“I really enjoy playing (Coco) because she’s an incredible player, win or lose it’s great matches,” added Sabalenka, who had said before the match she was motivated by revenge after Gauff beat her in the Flushing Meadows final.
“I really hope in the future we’re going to play many more finals. Of course, I hope I win them all!”
The Belarusian finished the match with 33 winners and 28 unforced errors. She served at 76 per cent and struck four aces. Gauff had 22 winners to 20 unforced errors, eight of which were double faults.
The American served at 57 per cent and won only 39 per cent of her second-serve points.
“It was a tough match for me tonight, but overall a positive tournament. I had chances in both sets but, at the end of the day, she was the better player,” said Gauff.
“She played those points better. I did my best with the game plan that I had, it just came down to a couple of points and that’s tennis. Yeah, I feel like I have a lot to improve. But (I feel) I am in the right direction, so I just have to remind myself of the journey. I am really proud of myself.”
Next up for Sabalenka is her aim to become the first woman to win successive Australian Open titles since her compatriot Victoria Azarenka did it in 2012 and 2013.
She will take on Chinese 12th seed Zheng Qinwen, who defeated Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 6-4 in the other Jan 25 semi-final. REUTERS, AFP
