Aryna Sabalenka gains sweet revenge on Coco Gauff to reach Australian Open final

Aryna Sabalenka will defend her Australian Open crown against Zheng Qinwen in the final on Saturday following a straight-sets last-four victory over Coco Gauff.

The world No 2 gained sweet revenge on the American teenager, who came out on top when they clashed in the US Open final last September.

Gauff denied Sabalenka a second Grand Slam title of the year with that victory at Flushing Meadows but her winning run at the majors came to an end with a 7-6, 6-4 defeat under the roof on Rod Laver Arena.

By beating Gauff, 19, the Belarusian becomes the first player since Serena Williams in 2016 and 2017 to reach back-to-back Australian Open finals.

It proved to be her toughest assignment at the tournament so far, having dropped just 16 games leading into the match.

“I was able to focus on myself. I was prepared that she was going to move well and put all the balls back and I was just ready for anything,” Sabalenka, 25, said. “That was the key, and the support here.”

“It's always a great fight [against Gauff]. She's a great player and I enjoy playing her,” she added. “I really hope that in the future we are going to play many more finals.”

With the roof closed due to rain, Sabalenka raced through her opening serve to love then promptly broke Gauff, who opened with two double faults and won just one point in the first two games.

The American woke up and got back in the contest immediately with Sabalenka shanking two volleys on her next serve, opening the door for a break.

But Gauff's serve again deserted her, with two more double faults in the sixth game handing the Belarusian another break point that she converted with a net volley.

Sabalenka was in control at 5-2, but inexplicably lost composure to drop four games in a row