Aryna Sabalenka has revealed she is “super excited” to face Coco Gauff in the semi-finals of the 2024 Australian Open as she “really wanted” the chance for revenge.
The Belarusian star, who was beaten by Gauff in the final of the 2023 US Open, identfified the American’s movement as what makes her such a tough opponent.
Gauff defeated Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the title match at Flushing Meadows in September last year to claim her maiden Grand Slam title.
Sabalenka has found Gauff a difficult opponent as she holds a 2-4 head-to-head record against the world No 4, who won the pair’s first encounter in 2020.
The world No 2 has displayed sensational form en route to the last four in Melbourne as she has won all five matches in straight sets and dropped just 16 games.
The 25-year-old is the defending Australian Open champion, having defeated Elena Rybakina in three sets to claim her first major title in last year’s final
Following her 6-3, 6-2 quarter-final triumph against world No 11 Barbra Krejcikova, Sabalenka looked ahead to her semi-final showdown with the 19-year-old American.
“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 semi-final match,” she declared.
“Yeah, she’s moving really well. Everything you do on court it’s coming back. So you need to build the point probably couple times in one point, like, to have that, not like easy shot, but, like — yeah, easy shot, you know, to finish the point.
“So that’s why she’s really tough opponent. Yeah, but anyway, yeah, she’s a great player, and I’m really excited to play her.”
Sabalenka, who has now reached the semi-finals at six consecutive Grand Slams, was also asked about the key to her becoming so consistent at majors.
“I think my mindset — that I’m not getting crazy on court, I’m not rushing things. You know, I’m just playing point by point, and that’s it, and fighting for every point without overthinking about my dreams, about what I want to do, about how many slams I want to win and all that stuff,” the Belarusian explained.
“I was able to separate myself from that kind of mentality and just start focusing on myself and focusing on things I can improve and I can get better in, and what I actually have to do to win every match I play.
“I mean, I used to work with psychologist for four or five years. When you’re working with psychologist at some point it’s really helping, especially for young players, just start playing, you know, on tour. But then at some point you start kind of expecting somebody to help you.
“You know, you’re not fixing your problems by yourself, you’re like expecting somebody to help you with that. I just decided at some point, like, I need to figure out by myself how to start control myself better.
“And I think that decision was the biggest decision for me and I start actually taking responsibility for everything I’m doing, and it’s really help me to become more controlled on court.”