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Ahead of a highly anticipated Australian Open semifinal, Coco Gauff expresses relief at overcoming a "bad" match, setting the stage for a rematch against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. The encounter is a reprise of their U.S. Open final clash, where the 19-year-old Gauff secured her inaugural major title in a gripping three-set battle.
Gauff, currently riding a 12-match winning streak at Grand Slam tournaments, faced a challenging quarterfinal against Marta Kostyuk, rallying from a 5-1 deficit in the first set. The quarterfinal unfolded over three intense hours, culminating in Gauff's victory with a scoreline of 7-6 (6), 6-7 (3), 6-2.
In contrast, Aryna Sabalenka's journey at Melbourne Park continues with an equally formidable 12-match streak. Her path to the semifinals included a commanding 6-2, 6-3 win over No. 9-seeded Barbora Krejcikova in a night session that commenced after 9 p.m.
Expressing eagerness for the upcoming clash, Sabalenka acknowledged her desire for revenge after the U.S. Open defeat to Gauff. "I love it. I love it. After the U.S. Open, I really wanted that revenge, and, I mean, that’s a great match," Sabalenka remarked, underscoring the significance and anticipation surrounding this high-profile semifinal.
As the tennis world awaits the Gauff-Sabalenka showdown, the stage is set for a thrilling continuation of their competitive rivalry on the Grand Slam stage. The rematch promises to be a compelling chapter in the ongoing narrative of rising tennis talents and seasoned champions at the Australian Open.
