Defending Champion Sabalenka Beats US Open Winner Gauff to Reach Australian Open Final

Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka (R) greets USA's Coco Gauff (L) after victory in their women's singles semi-final match on day 12 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Jan. 25, 2024. Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP

MELBOURNE, Australia—Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka avenged a U.S. Open final loss to Coco Gauff and will meet first-time finalist Zheng Qinwen at the Australian Open on Saturday.

Sabalenka attacked Gauff’s serve with her powerful returns and unloaded 33 winners in the 7–6 (2), 6–4 semifinal victory on Thursday night, Jan. 25, that extended her winning streak to 13 matches at Melbourne Park.