Good morning and welcome to coverage of the first Australian Open women’s semi-final of the day between Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff.
This clash is a repeat of the US Open final last September which was dramatically won by Gauff. That was the young American’s maiden grand slam victory and the 19-year-old says there has been a change in approach from players against her.
“I don’t really approach matches differently,” she said. “But yeah, there is definitely a change in just the energy. I mean, you do feel like you’re the one to beat and I feel like people step on court and they play more free and want to play — not want to play, everybody wants to play best games every day — but play their best games because there’s no pressure.
“Yeah, I definitely feel a little change. But also, at the same time, like, not really, because when I was young, nobody wanted to lose to, like, a 15-year-old, so I felt people played really hard too.
“Yeah, definitely, I remember being in that position, too, when I was underdog and you just play free. Yeah, it’s always, I think there’s a quote, it’s not easy to get to the top, but easier to get to the top but harder to stay there.
“The goal is to stay here as long as possible and keep going upwards. I mean, I’m not at the top but I’m up there.”
Sabalenka, who has blasted through her side of the draw without dropping a set, is very keen to get back at Gauff after losing in New York.
“I love it. I love it,” she declared. “After the 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.”