Aryna Sabalenka said she cannot wait to play Coco Gauff at the 2024 Australian Open, and the Belarusian is seeking revenge for her US Open loss against the American.
Sabalenka cruised past Barbora Krejcikova in her Australian Open quarter-final match to set up a highly-anticipated semi-final encounter with Gauff. The 19-year-old extended her winning streak in Grand Slam matches with a quarter-final success over Marta Kostyuk at Melbourne Park.
The WTA number two and number four will now meet for the first time since the 2023 US Open final, which Gauff came back to win after dropping the first set against Sabalenka.
When thinking forward to the upcoming semi-final at the Australian Open, Sabalenka explained that she is incredibly excited about facing the 19-year-old, partly to get "revenge" and partly for a great contest.
"I love it. I love it. After US Open, I really wanted that revenge, and, I mean, that's a great match. It's always great battles against Coco, with really great fights. I'm happy to play her, and I'm super excited to play that semifinal match."
The Sabalenka vs Gauff clash could be one of the best matches of the 2024 Australian Open, and both players head into the contest in strong form. Sabalenka looks determined to retain her Australian Open title as she has not dropped a set in the competition yet, while Gauff has lost just one set so far.
In six previous meetings, Gauff has bested Sabalenka four times, and the Belerusian's last victory over her upcoming American opponent came at the 2023 Indian Wells.
In addition, both Sabalenka and Gauff will be confident of a strong performance in the final if they can successfully navigate this big semi-final clash after some shocks on the other side of the draw.
World number one Iga Swiatek was eliminated in round three by Linda Noskova, and Elena Rybakina, WTA number three, crashed out in the second round.
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