The semi-final duel with Coco Gauff turned into a test of patience for Aryna Sabalenka – especially in the second set. The Belarusian repeatedly forced her opponent to serve on her serve and fought several break points. But a break didn’t get them dry, often due to their own inability. So the passage took a long time without a service breakthrough.
Until Sabalenka managed the break at 4:4. Gauff initially fended off two breakballs, but she couldn’t do anything against the third. A failed backhand cost the American her fifth serve game. Sabalenka was then able to serve to win the match. With a strong service she used her 2nd match point after 1:42 hours.
The 25-year-old Belarusian not only achieved revenge for the US Open final last September, which Gauff won in 3 sets. She also remained without losing a set in the 6th game in Melbourne. Sabalenka now has the chance to continue this series on Saturday and defend her title from last year.
Break festival in the opening movement
Both players showed nerves several times in the first set. Sabalenka took the lead twice with breaks, but gave up the lead both times and had to give up the service when the score was 5:5. There was a threat of losing a set for the first time at this year’s Australian Open.
But with the set win in sight, Gauff suddenly became prone to errors. The Belarusian managed the immediate rebreak, which meant the tiebreak had to be decided. There, Sabalenka was at her best at the right time and won the short decision 7:2.
This is how it continues
In the final, Sabalenka will face China’s Qinwen Zheng, who won her semi-final against Dajana Jastremska 6:4, 6:4. The Australian Open duel takes place on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. (live on SRF info).