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Australian Open LIVE: Aryna Sabalenka defeats Coco Gauff in thriller to set up Qinwen Zheng final
Aryna Sabalenka is through to the Australian Open final after a thrilling straight-sets victory over Coco Gauff. The defending champion earned revenge for September’s US Open final defeat to the American as her attacking play prevailed against Gauff’s resilience in securing a 7-6 6-4 victory.
Sabalenka is still yet to drop a set this tournament but was pushed hard by Gauff in a tense clash between two reigning grand slam champions that lived up to its heavyweight billing. Gauff had battled back from 5-2 in the first set to serve for the opener but Sabalenka’s response was superb as she broke back before winning the tiebreak.
Sabalenka will face Qinwen Zheng in Saturday’s final after the 12th seed defeated Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska 6-4 6-4 to reach her first grand slam final. Zheng will be the underdog as she looks to replicate childhood idol and 2014 Australian Open champion Li Na with victory in Melbourne.
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Australian Open LIVE: Latest updates and scores
Aryna Sabalenka beats Coco Gauff 7-6 6-4 to reach Australian Open final
Qinwen Zheng defeats qualifier Dayana Yastremska 6-4 6-4 for first grand slam final
Alfie Hewett through to Australian Open wheelchair final and will play Tokito Odo
Australian Open LIVE
12:47 , Jamie Braidwood
There was a sense of history repeating itself as Coco Gauff halted Aryna Sabalenka’s relentless attacking play and broke level in their Australian Open semi-final. After surviving the early onslaught from Sabalenka’s forehand wing, Gauff turned the reigning champion against herself: stretching her defences wide to crack a glimpse at Sabalenka’s vulnerabilities. But as Gauff served for the first set, Sabalenka’s response highlighted the immense improvements she has made in the mental aspects of her game in the past 12 months: she overcame Gauff as well as her demons in striking back to win 7-6 6-4 and return to the Australian Open final.
In the end, it was Sabalenka’s unrelenting power that triumphed over Gauff’s resilience in a heavyweight semi-final clash between two grand slam champions that lived up to its billing. But there were moments at the end of the first set that suggested the Gauff’s gameplan that proved so effective in coming from a set down to beat Sabalenka in September’s US Open final was going to work again. Sabalenka’s errors were beginning to mount as Gauff’s defensive wall stood strong on the baseline but the Belarusian regained her composure, steadied her game and attacked Gauff with the same clear and clinical intent that has fuelled her return to the Melbourne final.
Aryna Sabalenka overcomes Coco Gauff and her demons to reach Australian Open final
When is the Australian Open women’s final?
13:16 , Jamie Braidwood
Aryna Sabalenka will play Qinwen Zheng in the Australian Open final as the Belarusian targets back-to-back titles in Melbourne.
Sabalenka continued her impressive Australian Open as she passed her toughest test of the tournament so far against Coco Gauff in the semi-finals, gaining revenge for September’s US Open final defeat.
The World No 2, who defeated Elena Rybakina to win her first grand slam title last season, is yet to drop a set this tournament and will be the huge favourite as she takes on a first-time grand slam finalist in Zheng, the 12th seed.
Zheng defeated Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska 6-4 6-4 in the semi-finals and the Chinese player is looking to replicate childhood idol and 2014 Australian Open champion Li Na with victory in Melbourne.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng start time: When is Australian Open women’s final?
Aryna Sabalenka takes revenge against Coco Gauff to reach Australian Open final
12:52 , Jamie Braidwood
Aryna Sabalenka took her revenge against Coco Gauff to make it back-to-back Australian Open finals.
Gauff denied Sabalenka a second grand slam title of the year with victory in the US Open final last summer but her winning run at the majors came to an end with a 7-6 (2) 6-4 defeat under the roof on Rod Laver Arena.
Sabalenka will now be a big favourite to win a second-straight title at Melbourne Park on Saturday.
Watch every moment of the Australian Open live and exclusive on discovery+ and Eurosport
Australian Open LIVE
14:21 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic faces the toughest test of his Australian Open title defence so far as the 10-time champion takes on fourth seed Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.
Djokovic has never lost an Australian Open semi-final, winning every tournament in which he has reached the final four, but Sinner comes into the clash in red-hot form.
The Italian has not dropped a set so far and has won two of his previous three meetings against Djokovic, including in sensational fashion in the Davis Cup semi-finals in September.
Djokovic thrashed Sinner in straight sets in the Wimbledon semi-finals last season but the 22-year-old has made significant improvements to his game and Melbourne Park could be set for a classic.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner start time: When is Australian Open semi-final?
Jannik Sinner faces moment of truth against Novak Djokovic in Australian Open semi-finals
13:35 , Jamie Braidwood
In November, Jannik Sinner faced three match points against Novak Djokovic with Italy’s Davis Cup hopes on the line. Defeat would have spelled the end in the semi-finals, and with Djokovic looming over the baseline, primed for his next return, Sinner stared at a near-impossible task. Instead, the 22-year-old held firm. He saved all three match points behind brave serving and a rock-solid backhand, denying Djokovic. Sinner went on to claim his second victory against the world No 1 in as many weeks, following his win in the group stages of the ATP Finals.
It may have just been one game and one hold from 0-40 down, but that five-minute spell in Malaga at the end of last season may prove transformative in the young career of Sinner. The Italian not only survived but steered his nation past Serbia and into the Davis Cup final, where he again won the decisive match against Australia to lift the trophy. On Friday, in the Australian Open semi-finals, the Italian will face Djokovic for the fourth time in three months as he aims to reach his first grand slam final. Sinner has won two of their last three matches and, this time, the odds are considerably shorter than when Djokovic held those match points.
Jannik Sinner faces moment of truth against Novak Djokovic at Australian Open
Australian Open LIVE
12:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Coco Gauff is taking the “positives” from her defeat to Aryna Sabalenka, as the 19-year-old’s winning run at the grand slams comes to an end at 12 matches.
“She served better, she made less errors, but also, I feel like I played a little bit more aggressive this time. So, you know, US Open I felt like wasn’t, like, a great match, like, for me. Yes, I won. I think I played better tonight.
“I wish I could have made more first serves. I think that was the difference. She had a higher first-serve percentage, and it’s tough to also go for the second when you double-faulted a couple times.
“But I don’t think that wasn’t the fault, either. Because I put myself in the position, I cleaned up the first set, put myself in the position to serve out the set. At the end of the day, it came down to a couple of points. Same in the second. Maybe if I get that hold at 4-All, it’s a different match.
“Yeah, and a lot of positives to take. I felt like, like, today I didn’t feel like I played bad. I just felt there were certain points that I just didn’t win. Which I prefer this match over the last match that I played. So it’s tough with the result, but I’m trying to look at the positives.”
Australian Open LIVE
12:47 , Jamie Braidwood
So Sabalenka will face Qinwen Zheng in the Australian Open final - they have only played once before, at last year’s US Open quarter-fianls. Sabalenka won 6-1 6-4.
That was Zheng’s first grand slam quarter-final. Now she’s into her first grand slam final.
Australian Open LIVE: Qinwen Zheng vs Dayana Yastremska
12:37 , Jamie Braidwood
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Zheng 6-4 6-4 Yastremska
Qinwen Zheng is through to her first grand slam final and will play Aryna Sabalenka for the Australian Open!
“It feels unbelievable! I’m super excited to have such a great performance today. It’s tough to explain my feeling now - my first final in Australia.”
Australian Open LIVE: Qinwen Zheng vs Dayana Yastremska
12:31 , Jamie Braidwood
BREAK! *Zheng 6-4 5-3 Yastremska
The turns in this match! Zheng plays her best service game of the match and the immediately breaks Yastremska. She’s just a game away now.
Australian Open LIVE: Qinwen Zheng vs Dayana Yastremska
12:21 , Jamie Braidwood
BREAK! *Zheng 6-4 2-3 Yastremska
An impressive response from Yastremska in this topsy-turvy semi-final! I don’t think Zheng saw this coming.
Australian Open LIVE: Qinwen Zheng vs Dayana Yastremska
12:06 , Jamie Braidwood
BREAK! *Zheng 6-4 2-1 Yastremska
Zheng has found her level and is sailing through this semi-final now. The Chinese player lands a couple of excellent returns to pick apart Yastremska. She has the break in the second set.
Australian Open LIVE: Qinwen Zheng vs Dayana Yastremska
11:55 , Jamie Braidwood
SET! Zheng 6-4 Yastremska
Zheng serves out and comes from a break down to lead Yastremska in this Australian Open semi-final. There hasn’t been much momentum in this match but Zheng steadied after a slow start. Yastremska wasn’t helped by that stomach issue and heads off court again before the second set.
Australian Open LIVE: Qinwen Zheng vs Dayana Yastremska
11:42 , Jamie Braidwood
Zheng 5-3 Yastremska*
Yastremska is back out on court and actually gets a look at break point following that long medical timeout. The qualifier seems to be moving ok but Zheng steadies and holds to move a game away from the opening set.
Australian Open LIVE: Qinwen Zheng vs Dayana Yastremska
11:31 , Jamie Braidwood
BREAK! *Zheng 4-3 Yastremska
Oh dear, this doesn’t look good for Yastremska. She holds her stomach as Zheng breaks to lead the opening set and then takes a medical timeout in the changover. She felt something after reaching for a forehand and after such a good start, Zheng has turned it around.
Yastremska is leaving the court.
Australian Open LIVE: Qinwen Zheng vs Dayana Yastremska
11:16 , Jamie Braidwood
BREAK! Zheng 2-2 Yastremska*
A horror of a service game from Yastremska gets Zheng back into the match as the Ukrainian makes a series of double faults. Zheng then settles to hold to love.
Australian Open LIVE: Qinwen Zheng vs Dayana Yastremska
11:06 , Jamie Braidwood
BREAK! Zheng 0-2 Yastremska*
An excellent start from Yastremska who jumps on a nervy opening game from Zheng and gets the break on deuce.
Australian Open LIVE: Qinwen Zheng vs Dayana Yastremska
10:51 , Jamie Braidwood
Right, who will Aryna Sabalenka face in the Australian Open final?
The second semi-final between Qinwen Zheng and Dayana Yastremska is about to begin. Zheng, the 12th seed, was one of the most improved players in the WTA last season and is looking to emulate idol Li Na by winning the Australian Open.
Yastremska started in qualifying but is now one win away from a grand slam final - if Emma Raducanu hadn’t won the US Open two years ago, this would be a crazy, crazy story.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
10:46 , Jamie Braidwood
Sabalenka served and attacked superbly well and what was most impressive was how she stuck to her gameplan even when Gauff broke back and made it awkward.
Sabalenka served at 76% on the first serves and hit 33 winners to 28 unforced errors across the match. The ratio was even better in the tiebreak.
What was key, though, was only allowing Gauff to win 39% of her second-serve points. With Gauff serving at 57% first serve, that allowed Sabalenka plenty of looks.
For Gauff, improving that second serve and making it more reliable will be the next step she needs to take.
Gauff served eight double faults across the match - including six in the first set.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
10:42 , Jamie Braidwood
Another wonderful and human post-match interview from Jelena Dokic. If you haven’t read Kieran Jackson’s interview with the former Australian tennis prodigy, you should.
Jelena Dokic: ‘I haven’t spoken to my abusive father in 10 years – I sleep well’
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
10:40 , Jamie Braidwood
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sabalenka 7-6 6-4 Gauff
Here’s Sabalenka: “I think I was able to focus on myself. I was prepared that she was going to move really well and I was prepared to play the extra shot. That was key. Thank you for the support guys, last time I played her (in New York) I didn’t have any support. But today felt like home and it was really special for me.
On playing Gauff: “She’s an incredible player. Win or lose they are great matches, I really hope in the future we play many more finals - I hope I win them!”
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
10:30 , Jamie Braidwood
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sabalenka 7-6 6-4 Gauff
Aryna Sabalenka is through to her second Australian Open final in a row as she continues her title defence with a hugely impressive win over Coco Gauff!
The World No 2 gets her revenge for September’s US Open final defeat and showcased the considerable improvements to the mental part of her game in what was a tense rematch.
But Sabalenka’s stunning attacking play triumphed over Gauff’s defence - with her response to being broken late in the first set key to victory.
Sabalenka continues her streak and her 13th win in a row at the Australian Open - while she has still not dropped a set in this year’s tournament.
The player to beat in Saturday’s final, that’s for sure.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
10:28 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 6-7 4-5 Sabalenka*
ACE from Sabalenka! Now: second match point.
And Gauff nets on the backhand return!
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
10:25 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 6-7 4-5 Sabalenka*
It’s the only break of serve we’ve had in this second set: will it be enough?
Sabalenka makes a great start as she attacks from the opening point and puts away the forehand winner.
Ooooh. Double fault from Sabalenka. First of the set.
But that’s some response: Sabalenka produces the ace out wide!
The nerves are still there, though! Sabalenka opened up the court but fires wide on the forehand!
But Gauff nets on the forehand return and suddenly it’s match point!
STUNNING FROM GAUFF! Brilliant angles from both players but Gauff stays patient before taking her chance and putting away the forehand winner down the line! She hangs on!
Deuce.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
10:24 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 6-7 4-5 Sabalenka*
Sabalenka sets up her third break point as she lands another return deep and onto Gauff’s feet.
Second serve... Sabalenka unloads on a series on backhand crosscourt attacks... and Gauff blinks first to fire long and wide!
Sabalenka breaks and she will serve for the match and a place in the Australian Open final!
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
10:22 , Jamie Braidwood
*Gauff 6-7 4-4 Sabalenka
Gauff had steadied on serve this set... but Sabalenka chooses her moment to strike as the American hesitates.
A rolled second-serve is punished down line for a return winner from Sabalenka - huge pressure again now at 15-30.
Hang on: second serve ace from Gauff! 30-30.
What a return from Sabalenka! A crushing forehand crosscourt opens up the angle and Sabalenka puts away the backhand winner into the open space.
Break point: but that’s a great save from Gauff! A backhand winner follows the first serve.
Deuce.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
10:18 , Jamie Braidwood
*Gauff 6-7 4-4 Sabalenka
After breezing through the first half of this set, the nerves are back - for both players.
Sabalenka loose tense as she nets and faces 0-30... she clips the net cord on the forehand but it skips on and lands inside the baseline!
Gauff continues to ask questions on the defence but Sabalenka outlasts the American and finds the forehand winner.
And again! Sabalenka steps in and powers the forehand down the line.
From 0-30, those were four sublime attacking points from Sabalenka. She holds.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
10:14 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 6-7 4-3 Sabalenka*
Gauff faces pressure as Sabalenka gets to 0-30 on serve and the American is forced to really dig in to get back to 30-30.
But Sabalenka finds the depth on the return and Gauff can’t sort out her feet to dig out the backhand.
Break point: and that’s a gift from Sabalenka as Gauff’s body serve proves tricky and she goes long on the backhand.
Ace from Gauff! And Sabalenka nets on the baseline rally! Huge, huge hold.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
10:09 , Jamie Braidwood
*Gauff 6-7 3-3 Sabalenka
The run of points on serve ends at 18 as Gauff sticks into the rally and Sabalenka nets on the backhand. The attacking play from Sabalenka on 30-15 is so good, though, and she puts away the overhead at the net. Just so strong.
Gauff lets fly on the forehand return and it’s a simple hold for Sabalenka after all.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
10:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 6-7 3-2 Sabalenka*
Make that 16 points in a row on serve! Wow we are flying through this second set now. Gauff finding her rhythm on serve is just what she needs.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
10:03 , Jamie Braidwood
*Gauff 6-7 2-2 Sabalenka
12 points in a row on serve. This time Sabalenka puts away the volley at the net after Gauff sliced back after being forced wide on the forehand.
If Sabalenka cut out the errors at the net I think she would have won that first set quite easily.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 6-7 2-1 Sabalenka*
Just what Gauff needed: a love-hold as Sabalenka goes long on the backhand return.
This is tense and has lived up to its billing - it feels like a final.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:57 , Jamie Braidwood
*Gauff 6-7 1-1 Sabalenka
Sabalenka replies with a love-hold, immediately putting the pressure back onto the 19-year-old Gauff.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:54 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 6-7 1-0 Sabalenka*
The double-fault crisis continues for Gauff. She makes her seventh and eighth doubles both on game point and it means Sabalenka stays alive in this game.
The net-play from Gauff is stunning on deuce, though, as she controls an overhead and then produces wonderful touch on the volley.
Sabalenka nets and that is a big escape for Gauff. The American came from a set down to win the US Open final so will believe she is still in this. That second serve needs to tighten up, though.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:52 , Jamie Braidwood
*Gauff 6-7 0-0 Sabalenka
Gauff comes under immediate pressure in the opening game of the second set as Sabalenka continues to attack her second serve...
Sabalenka produces brilliant depth to pin Gauff onto the baseline and get a look at break point.
Sabalenka looked to be in charge as she dictacted the rally but Gauff hung on and Sabalenka netted on the volley!
Deuce: but Gauff can’t do enough on the volley and Sabalenka puts away the forehand winner to bring up another break point.
Important ace from Gauff! This feels must-hold for the American.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:44 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 6-7 Sabalenka - Sabalenka wins first set!
Sabalenka finds another winner, this time on the forehand, to move to set point. And Sabalenka takes it behind another aggressive forehand strike! A rollercoaster of an opening set goes the way of the defending champion.
That’s was a tense first set but full of quality as both players attacked the other’s weaknesses and showcased their strenghts. Both had the chance to serve for the set but in the end it’s Sabalenka who prevails in the tiebreak.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:38 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 6-6 Sabalenka - TIEBREAK!
Sublime from Sabalenka to take charge from the baseline and crush the forehand winner behind Gauff to get to 2-0 early in the decider.
It sits up well for Sabalenka again and she crushes the backhand winner... sending Gauff falling to the ground behind the baseline. She looks ok. 3-0.
And this is turning into a landslide... Gauff fires wide, just, on the backhand and Sabalenka leads 4-0.
Sabalenka attacks the Gauff second serve again and the defending champion leads 5-1 at the changeover.
Gauff came from 5-2 down in this set but this looks done...
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:35 , Jamie Braidwood
*Gauff 6-6 Sabalenka - Sabalenka breaks!
Incredible attacking movement from Gauff to close the net and put away the backhand volley to get to 30-0!
Sabalenka finds great depth to the baseline, though, and then Gauff blinks on the forehand from midcourt!
Suddenly it’s back to 30-30 and Sabalenka isn’t out of this yet... That’s why: Sabalenka crushes the backhand crosscourt!
Break point: Sabalenka goes after the Gauff forehand and gets her reward!
Another twist!!! Sabalenka breaks Gauff and we’re heading to a first-set tiebreak.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:32 , Jamie Braidwood
*Gauff 6-5 Sabalenka - Gauff breaks!
Incredible defence again from Gauff! She works her way into the rally and forces Sabalenka to cover the baseline, leading to the forehand error.
And now it’s break point Gauff...
That’s a HUGE ERROR from Sabalenka! From midcourt, she shanks the forehand wide!
But that’s what Gauff’s defence does to you! Sabalenka blinks and is facing the pressure now!
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 5-5 Sabalenka*
Wow - incredible athleticism from Gauff to put away the overhead and then Sabalenka nets on the backhand as Gauff digs in on the baseline rally.
Sabalenka gets to game point but her backhand misfires again as Gauff gets to deuce. This time Sabalenka makes no mistake from the net to put away the overhead... but she can’t get the hold as she fires long! Back to deuce.
This is, by far, the most Sabalenka has been pushed all tournament and is alerady the deepest into a set Sabalenka has been taken into all tournament.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:24 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 5-5 Sabalenka*
And it’s a story of serve on deuce: Sabalenka nets on the Gauff first serve but then eats up the second serve for a forehand winner.
Deuce again... and a long rally.... Sabalenka plays it perfectly but nets on the volley after coming into the net! Gauff survives...
First serve Gauff... but she can’t find the drop shot! Sabalenka was beaten but it rolls into the top of the net!
Stunning serve up the middle from Gauff, though. Another first serve from Gauff and Sabalenka is loose on the backhand! Gauff holds after saving set point!
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:20 , Jamie Braidwood
*Gauff 4-5 Sabalenka
Sabalenka thrashes the forehand winner on the opening point and then goes searching for the backhand winner... wide!
Sabalenka then nets facing the Gauff serve... but Gauff makes her sixth double fault of the opening set and it brings up 30-30!
And now Gauff goes searching for the backhand winner down the line! Was that really on??
Set point Sabalenka: but Gauff saves with a big first serve that jammed Sabalenka up on the baseline!
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:18 , Jamie Braidwood
*Gauff 4-5 Sabalenka - Gauff breaks!
Wow - who saw that coming. Sabalenka was cruising but a fan shouted out on 30-15 and from there she lost three points in a row to lose serve.
That double fault on 30-30... it could haunt her.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:16 , Jamie Braidwood
*Gauff 4-5 Sabalenka - Gauff breaks!
Great speed and hands from both players as Gauff reacts well to put away the backhand volley at the net.
Sabalenka then takes charge and produces a sublime backhand winner from the baseline to move two points away.
Gauff is a little hesitant from the baseline but Sabalenka rushes her backhand and sends it long to bring up 30-30 and a pressure point...
Double fault from Sabalenka! And now Gauff has break point!
And Sabalenka nets as Gauff finds depth behind her backhand return!
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:13 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 3-5 Sabalenka*
Gauff gets off to a strong start with a backhand winner cross court but then Sabalenka finds her forehand strike to get back to 30-30.
Gauff finds her first serve and puts away the one-two punch and then produces another forehand winner to seal the hold. Much better aggression from the American.
Sabalenka is winning the majority of the points when the rally length is between 0-4 shots. Gauff has the advantage when it’s five shtos or longer.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:09 , Jamie Braidwood
*Gauff 2-5 Sabalenka
Sabalenka is rolling again. She holds with an ace out wide and moves a game away from the opening set. If anything, Gauff appears stronger in the return games as well but will now have to hold behind that creaking serve to stay in the set.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:06 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 2-4 Sabalenka* - Sabalenka breaks!
Gauff’s second serve was eaten up there and backed off after making two double faults. Sabalenka’s forehand is really putting pressure on in the return games.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 2-4 Sabalenka* - Sabalenka breaks!
Gauff’s forehand goes long on the opening point but then breathes a sigh of relief as Sabalenka fires long on the backhand return facing second-serve.
The double faults keep coming from Gauff, though. She’s taken to deuce as her total rises to five already.
And Sabalenka takes advantage, stepping inside the baseline to find an excellent angle on the forehand crosscourt.
Break point: Sabalenka attacks the Gauff second-serve on the forehand and then puts away the drive volley for the break!
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
09:01 , Jamie Braidwood
*Gauff 2-3 Sabalenka
Sabalenka holds to love behind a punishing forehand winner blasted right through Gauff.
There isn’t an attack quite like Sabalenka’s. There isn’t a defence quite like Gauff’s.
And the battle between them is already apparent in this semi-final.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
08:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 2-2 Sabalenka*
There’s a third double fault from Gauff but the rest of her service game is smooth sailing. The American has settled well after a tricky start. A wonderful lob after catching the dead net cord beats Sabalenka and from there Gauff serves out to level the match.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
08:55 , Jamie Braidwood
*Gauff 1-2 Sabalenka - Gauff breaks!
Here we go, though. Gauff turns defence into attack on the backhand to drive the winner past Sabalenka to get to 0-30 on the Belarusian’s serve.
Gauff is then sent running behind the baseline but is able to dig a return out... and Sabalenka puts the overhead into the net!
Now three break points for Gauff...
and that’s stunning from Gauff! She reads the Sabalenka forehand and is there to put more pressure on Sabalenka!
Gauff then follows it in and puts away the forehand volley at the net!
Superb from Gauff.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
08:50 , Jamie Braidwood
Gauff 0-2 Sabalenka* - Sabalenka breaks!
Sabalenka started with an ace... Gauff starts with two double faults in a row and Sabalenka immediately gets a look at 0-30.
Now, the first rally from the baseline, and Sabalenka powers the forehand winner onto the line!
Three break points already: Sabalenka’s return is dangerous but Gauff’s defence is superb to pick up the forehand and force the error from Sabalenka at the net.
But Gauff then nets on the forehand and Sabalenka breaks in the American’s opening game. That is some start.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
08:47 , Jamie Braidwood
*Gauff 0-1 Sabalenka
An ominous start from Sabalenka as she begins with an ace and then a winner. Gauff pushes a backhand wide and then sends a forehand return wide. Sabalenka holds to love.
*denotes next server
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
08:45 , Jamie Braidwood
HERE WE GO. The standout match of the tournament so far and a clash that has been coming every since the draw two weeks ago. Whoever progresses here will be the favourite to win their second grand slam title in 12 months.
So, will it be Gauff or Sabalenka?
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
08:43 , Jamie Braidwood
Earlier on Rod Laver Arena, there was a celebration in honour of the 50th anniversary of Evonne Goolagong Cawley’s first Australian Open title.
The tennis icon was the first Indigenous Australian to win the title and from 2025 the tournament’s First Nations day will be named in her honour.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
08:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Here we go! Aryna Sabalenka has yet to face a real test at this year’s Australian Open (apologies to Barbora Krejcikova) - but Coco Gauff poses a real threat to her title defence. Can the American be the brick wall needed to crack some gaps in Sabalenka’s attack, or will Sabalenka power her way through?
Intriguing semi-final, this. The players are waiting in the tunnel and are about to come out on court.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
08:30 , Jamie Braidwood
It’s a wet, stormy day in Melbourne and the roof will be closed on Rod Laver Arena for both semi-finals.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
08:22 , Jamie Braidwood
Sabalenka’s route to the Australian Open semi-final has been emphatic. The defending champion has won all five of her matches in straight sets, dropping just 16 games in total and spending just five hours and 15 minutes on court.
She has not lost more than three games in a single set!
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
08:21 , Jamie Braidwood
This is will be Gauff and Sabalenka’s seventh meeting. The American has the edge in the head-to-head with four wins, including in the US Open final last season. Sabalenka thrashed Gauff 6-4 6-0 in the Indian Wells quarter-finals earlier that year.
Australian Open LIVE
08:14 , Jamie Braidwood
Alfie Hewett will lock horns again with Tokito Oda after reaching a seventh straight grand slam singles final at the Australian Open.
The wheelchair star got the better of 17-year-old Oda in the final in Melbourne 12 months ago but then lost to the Japanese youngster at the French Open and Wimbledon.
Hewett defeated doubles partner Gordon Reid to lift the US Open trophy but the Scot was unable to set up a repeat here, losing out 7-6 (4) 7-5 in the semi-finals to Oda.
Top seed Hewett eased to a 6-4 6-1 win over Joachim Gerard and will bid for a ninth major singles crown.
Hewett and Reid will have to wait to play their doubles semi-final after rain brought an early end to play on the outside courts in Melbourne.
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
08:08 , Jamie Braidwood
Aryna Sabalenka on the prospect of facing Coco Gauff in a rematch of their US Open final: “I love it. I love it. After 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 semifinal match.”
On her consistency at the grand slams after reaching six semi-finals in a row: “I think my mindset that I’m not getting crazy on court, I’m not rushing things. You know, I’m just playing point by point, and that’s it, and fighting for every point without overthinking about my dreams, about what I want to do, about how many slams I want to win and all that stuff.
“I was able to separate myself from that kind of mentality and just start focusing on myself and focusing on things I can improve and I can get better in, and what I actually have to do to win every match I play.”
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
08:01 , Jamie Braidwood
Coco Gauff on the difference she has seen since becoming a grand slam champion: “I don’t really approach matches differently. 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.
“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. 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.”
Australian Open LIVE: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
07:54 , Jamie Braidwood
As Aryna Sabalenka continued to steamroll her way through her Australian Open defence, the only thing as inevitable as her progress to the semi-finals was her opponent in the final four. When the draw was made two weeks ago, it was clear Sabalenka’s path to the Melbourne final would be blocked by a significant obstacle. But in Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion who defeated Sabalenka to win her first grand-slam title in September, the Belarusian was also given the chance for “revenge”. Now, the rematch is set.
Given the wildly lopsided nature of the women’s draw, it is tempting to call the immediate sequel of Sabalenka and Gauff’s grand-slam rivalry as the final before the final. With top seed Iga Swiatek and last year’s runner-up Elena Rybakina both falling before the fourth round, it has led to a wide-open top section: one of 12th seed Qinwen Zheng or qualifier Dayana Yastremska will play in their first grand-slam final on Saturday and will do so against a champion. Whoever progresses from Sabelanka and Gauff will be the overwhelming favourite to win their second grand-slam title and second in 12 months.
The Australian Open gets its first final – two days early
Australian Open LIVE
07:50 , Jamie Braidwood
Australian Open order of play – Thursday 25 January
(all times UK / GMT)
Rod Laver Arena
From 8:30am
Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka
Dayana Yastremska vs Qinwen Zheng
Australian Open LIVE
07:50 , Jamie Braidwood
Is the Australian Open on TV in the UK?
You can watch the Australian Open live on Discovery+ and Eurosport in the UK. The action will be broadcast on Eurosport’s TV channels, or fans can tune into Discovery+ to stream the tournament, where an Entertainment & Sport pass is available for either £6.99/month or £59.99/year.
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Good morning
07:50 , Jamie Braidwood
Coco Gauff is eyeing a spot in the Australian Open final for the first time as she takes on defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals of the women’s singles.
Gauff, the US Open champion, has been in terrific form at Melbourne Park but comes up against world No 2 Sabalenka who is yet to drop a set in five matches - and has dropped only 16 games all tournament. Gauff beat Sabalenka in New York for her first major in September. They will be on court at 8:30am (GMT).
The second semi-final sees both women chasing a spot in a Grand Slam final for the first time: 12th seed Qinwen Zheng is the favourite and is looking to replicate childhood idol Li Na with victory in Melbourne.
She takes on Ukrainian player Dayana Yastremska, who is two matches away from emulating Emma Raducanu in winning a Grand Slam as a qualifier.
Follow live scores, updates and results from the Australian Open in today’s live blog:
