2024 Australian Open: Gauff set for Sabalenka rematch in SFs

After passing her toughest test of the 2024 Australian Open in a three-set quarterfinal victory, Coco Gauff is preparing for an even bigger challenge: a rematch of last year's US Open final against Aryna Sabalenka.

On Tuesday in Melbourne, Gauff took a page from coach Brad Gilbert's book by "winning ugly" against Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk. In a 7-6(6), 6-7(3), 6-2 victory, the American battled back from 5-1 down and saved two set points to win the opening set, then regrouped after failing to serve out the match in set two. It was her first three-setter after a dominant start to the fortnight.

With the win in her first AO quarterfinal, Gauff extended her Grand Slam winning streak to 12, dating back to the start of her US Open title run. Sabalenka is riding a 12-match winning streak of her own at the Australian Open, where she is the defending champion. Both players won their maiden major titles last year.

"Aryna, it's always a tough match with her," Gauff said before the second seed's dominant win against Barbora Krejickova confirmed their latest showdown. Sabalenka has yet to surrender a set this fortnight, dropping just 16 games in five matches.

"I think she's playing well this tournament. Obviously that US Open final was tough," added the 19-year-old.

Gauff leads Sabalenka 4-2 in their head-to-head, including her 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 triumph in the New York final. Four of those contests went three sets.

Gauff will also bring a perfect 3-0 record in Grand Slam semifinals into the match. Sabalenka is 2-5 at that stage, with her two wins coming last season at the two hard-court majors.

For Gauff, her positive experiences in those big matches adds to the confidence she has developed by winning her first 10 matches of the 2024 season—including five in her Auckland title run.

"Obviously it's a big achievement and a big deal [to make a Grand Slam semifinal], but I think just when you have the experience, you don't feel like it's your last time ever reaching this," said the 19-year-old. "You want to play like it's your last time, I guess, because you want to take advantage of the moment, but also just feel like you can do it again.

"It does give me confidence knowing that at least in that stage of a Grand Slam that my nerves are usually settled. Hopefully I can go out there and be settled."