Aryna Sabalenka and Qinwen Zhengs' March to the Championship

 The Redemption Match

Aryna Sabalenka continues her confident run going for her second Australian Open title with a 6-4 victory in a blockbuster match over Coco Gauff. 

On January 25th of 2024, the impeccable tennis athletes of Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka battle in Melbourne, Australia to advance to the final round of the Australian Open. Sabalenka appeared almost unstoppable to her opponent as she avenged her loss to Gauff in last year's US Open. Gauff. the American teenager, looking to score her second Grand Slam title, is one of the most athletic women's players in the sport of tennis. She used her immense athletic ability as much as she could have, but the Belarusian's consistent power had fully overwhelmed Gauff. 

"It was an incredible match. She's a great player, always tough battles against her. I think the key was that I was able to stay focused no matter what, no matter what the score was, I just keep trying my best, keep fighting for it," said Sabalenka.

"It's one more to go, and I'll do my best."

The two reigning Grand Slam champions made contrasting starts as Sabalenka fired constant aces to only warmup her powerful forehand. Sabalenka pounced on every little mistake Gauff made, keeping immense focus. The 19 year-old US Open champion did not give up though as she fired ace serves that put Sabalenka in a frantic spell to clinch the first set in a close tiebreak. This competitve pair continuted to stay close-knit the entire match, as Sabalenka then began to counter Gauff's speed with power. The 25 year-old edged ahead the talented teenager with sealing the match with two massive serves. 

"I think it just came down to a couple of points, and that's tennis," said Gauff.

"I'm going to dwell on it tonight but... the sun is going to rise tomorrow. Tomorrow, I don't know, I'm going to try to go to the movies or something, be proud of myself." 

Brilliant Play

Another competitive Semi-Final was opened the other night as the world number 2 and 4, Zheng and Yastremska, face off head-to-head. The match was just as tight for Zheng with Yastremska as Zheng had to rely on her brilliant backhand stroke to soar her through this tough match. Zheng had been recently named the most improved player on the WTA tour, and she consistently showed that throughout this match as kept constant power with her serve and groundstrokes. The opponent seemed defeated early on as she appeared to be clutching her abdomen. Although, Zheng was still troubled by Yastremska's returns into the second set, but the 21 year-old Chinese player pushed through and was on the brink of victory. Yastremska continued to hold her head high, but Zheng had two service winners to where she was later holding her arms up in triumph. 

"The feeling is incredible to arrive at my first Grand Slam final," said Zheng, the first Chinese player to reach this milestone since 2014.

"That's my dream since I was a kid. Right now, I am really happy, but I know there is still another fight to go. I'm trying to control my emotions."

Yastremska, whole felt pain in her abdomen the entire match, was flooded with positive messages from her Ukrainian fans.

"I think I made them a bit happy. These are tough moments right now in Ukraine," said Yastremska, referring to the incidents with Russia. 

"They got some nice moments to enjoy watching me play and I did my best. I tried to bring them a little bit of joy."

The Final Match

The stage for the championship match is set between Sabalenka and Zheng on January 27th. Sabalenka, the powerful Belarusian, has the upper hand in this match with her almost unstoppable power and prestige. Zheng, appearing to be the underdog, will have to use her full athletic ability to defeat a powerhouse of a tennis player. It will be the powerful forehand vs the swift backhand of the two players, both striving for the pride of winning the 2024 Australian Open.

Zheng admits that Sabalenka will be one of her toughest opponents she has ever faced, as Sabalenka respects the young player, but is ready to play in a prestigious match for a hopeful second Australian Open win. Zheng plans to be coming into this upcoming match in a relaxed approach, as Sabalenka awaits to pounce on the so called "underdog" with her powerful style of play.