Aryna Sabalenka, the current Australian Open champion, proved why she is one of the most feared players on the women’s circuit with a commanding performance against teenage sensation Coco Gauff.
Sabalenka dominated proceedings from the get-go, not facing a single break point and using her formidable serve to devastating effect. The Belarusian star did not commit a single double fault and fired five aces, winning a staggering 87% of her first serves.
Despite showing some promise early on, Gauff was unable to match Sabalenka’s intensity and level of play. The Californian crowd tried to urge on their hometown favorite, but it was to no avail as Sabalenka kept her foot on the gas, dominating the second set and cruising to victory.
In an on-court interview after the match, Sabalenka acknowledged the crowd’s support and thanked them for their cheers, jokingly adding that she did not want to leave and wanted to stay in California as long as she could. It was a display of her confidence and determination, and it will take a truly exceptional player to stop Sabalenka’s march toward further glory in the tournament.
