Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday exacted revenge against Coco Gauff over her US Open final loss last year to make the summit clash for the second consecutive season at the Australian Open. The Belarusian tamed the fourth seed 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 in one hour and 42 minutes on Rod Laver Arena to keep her title defence on track.
With the win, the 25-year-old became the first player to reach back-to-back finals at Melbourne Park since the legendary Serena Williams in 2016 and 2017. She will next bid to become the first player to win consecutive Australian Open titles since Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013. Sabalenka will face either China’s Zheng Qinwen or Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska for the title on Saturday.
