Aryna Sabalenka is through to the Australian Open final after a thrilling straight-sets victory over Coco Gauff. The defending champion earned revenge for September’s US Open final defeat to the American as her attacking play prevailed against Gauff’s resilience in securing a 7-6 6-4 victory.
Sabalenka is still yet to drop a set this tournament but was pushed hard by Gauff in a tense clash between two reigning grand slam champions that lived up to its heavyweight billing. Gauff had battled back from 5-2 in the first set to serve for the opener but Sabalenka’s response was superb as she broke back before winning the tiebreak.
Sabalenka will face Qinwen Zheng in Saturday’s final after the 12th seed defeated Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska 6-4 6-4 to reach her first grand slam final. Zheng will be the underdog as she looks to replicate childhood idol and 2014 Australian Open champion Li Na with victory in Melbourne.
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