SUMMARY
- Aryna Sabalenka came in a revengeful mood against Coco Gauff at Australian Open semifinal.
- The match went back and forth, with Sabalenka trying to break Gauff's resilience.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Coco Gauff at the Australian Open 2024 was a banger semifinal as the Belarusian was already coming in a revengeful mood after her upsetting loss to the American at the US Open 2023.
Sabalenka decided to serve first and she quickly seized the lead with her powerful serves and well-placed winners. The Belarusian extended her advantage by breaking Gauff in the next game, capitalizing on double faults from Gauff. However, Coco made a comeback, breaking Sabalenka to stay alive in the set and later tying it up at 2-2.
The battle continued, with Sabalenka regaining the lead by breaking Gauff in the sixth game. Sabalenka appeared poised to secure the first set, holding a 5-2 lead. However, Gauff held her serve to extend the set.
Phew! @CocoGauff saves a break point to keep this second set on serve!
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2024
Over to Aryna Sabalenka to answer back.#AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/HLrFzWMdmO
Gauff broke Sabalenka in a crucial game, narrowing the gap to 5-4. She then held her serve to tie the set at 5-5. The drama increased as Gauff broke Sabalenka once again to take a 6-5 lead.
The first set eventually headed to a tiebreak, where Sabalenka showcased her dominance, winning crucial points with powerful shots. Sabalenka ultimately clinched the set 7-6 (7-2), demonstrating a remarkable turnaround after Gauff fought back from a 2-5 deficit.
The second set begins
The second set began with Gauff battling to take the opening game. Sabalenka responded by winning the second game to level the set. Gauff, however, maintained her composure and held her serve to take a 2-1 lead. Sabalenka quickly tied up the set at 2-2, and Gauff regained the lead by holding her serve in the fifth game.
The back-and-forth continued as Sabalenka held her serve to equalize the set at 3-3. Gauff responded with another solid service game, taking a 4-3 lead. Sabalenka fought back to tie the set at 4-4. Gauff held her serve once more, securing a 5-4 lead. Sabalenka, determined, tied the set at 5-5.
The moment Aryna Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff in the #AusOpen
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 25, 2024
She will play her third Grand Slam Final in the last five majors. pic.twitter.com/GEx2VzMQ6m
However, Gauff broke Sabalenka to take a 6-5 lead, putting herself in a position to force a decider. But Sabalenka managed to break back, bringing the set to a tiebreak. Once again, Sabalenka’s powerful game prevailed as she secured the second set 7-6.
Both players maintained their holds until the ninth game when Sabalenka broke Gauff, gaining a crucial advantage. Serving for the match in the 10th game, Sabalenka secured a 6-4 win in the second set.
Aryna Sabalenka will successfully make her back-to-back finals appearance. Throughout the match, Sabalenka’s experience in critical moments overcame Gauff’s resilience, earning her the victory.