Last year’s US Open final saw Coco Gauff surprise Aryna Sabalenka on home soil, despite that victory on hard courts, Gauff enters the 2024 Australian Open semifinal against Sabalenka as as significant underdog, can she pull off an upset and reach a third career Grand Slam final? We also offer predictions for the other semifinal match, between Qinwen Zheng and Dayana Yastremska.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Coco Gauff
Jack Edward: A rematch of the US Open final sees both Sabalenka and Gauff in fine form. Sabalenka was in control of that encounter before her game fell by the wayside somewhat. Yes, the eventual champion played some phenomenal points to turn the tide but I firmly believe the Belarusian at her best has the level to overpower Gauff and Melbourne is where Sabalenka’s played her best tennis. I’ve no reason to doubt last year’s champion. Sabalenka in 2
Jordan Reynolds: Gauff needs to improve hugely from her last match to have a chance here. The opening two sets against Marta Kostyuk were among the weakest she has played in the last 12 months, but the Ukrainian could not take advantage. I expect the US Open champion to be better, and she has the confidence from beating Sabalenka in a Grand Slam final. But the defending champion is still the favourite. She has been the best player throughout the tournament by far, and will be difficult for anyone to stop in that form. Sabalenka in 2
Yesh Ginsburg: Gauff beat Sabalenka at the US Open last year, but that seems like a major outlier. Sabalenka’s power is too much for the rising American star, and unlike during the US Open final, I don’t expect Sabalenka’s game to desert her. The Belorussian gets brutal revenge in this one. Sabalenka in 2
Steen Kirby: Gauff had to battle in the quarterfinal while Sabalenka has been unbothered all tournament, the 25 year old from Belarus is on track to reclaim the world #1 ranking and repeat as the champion of the Australian Open if everything holds true to form. Gauff has enough upside to her game to make this a competitive match and she does lead the h2h 4-2, but the key points in every contest this tournament have gone Sabalenka’s way and I don’t see that changing in a matchup of two of the most in-form players in tennis today. Sabalenka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
