January 23, (THEWILL) – World number two Aryna Sabalenka was in scintillating form as she swept past ninth seed Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets to reach the Australian Open semi-finals on Tuesday. The defending champion overpowered her opponent with aggressive baseline play, winning 6-2 6-3 in just over an hour on Rod Laver Arena.
Sabalenka was barely troubled on serve, facing no break points in a dominant display. She won over 80% of points on her first serve and hit 21 winners to Krejcikova’s seven. The 25-year-old Belarusian has now won seven consecutive Grand Slam quarter-finals.
“I played really great tennis,” said Sabalenka after the match. “I just hope I can keep playing this way.” She attributed her consistency at majors to hard work, saying: “It’s all about hard work, give it all in the practice court so you are ready for the match.”
In the semi-finals, Sabalenka will meet 19-year-old American Coco Gauff, who she lost to in the 2023 US Open final. The teenager will undoubtedly be the underdog again but has proven her ability to rise to the big occasion.
After her Flushing Meadows disappointment where she was the favourite contender, the world number two is determined not to be a one-hit wonder. On current form, dropping just 16 games on her way to the final four, she will take some stopping.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
