Australian Open News: Coco Gauff Faces a Major Blow as WTA Honor Slips up Following Semi-final Upset

The match between Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff was one of the most anticipated in the WTA division of the tournament. The stakes were high because it was already predetermined that the victor would not only get to play in the final of the Australian Open but the player would also be ranked in the top 2 of women’s tennis. The Belarusian beauty takes the cake as she will move on to the final to defend her title.

Like the national animal of Belarus, the Bison, Sabalenka dove headfirst into the match. Gauff proved to be a big challenge for her as she was pushed to her limit. The American aimed to complete a comeback in the first set as she took the first set to a tie-break after being 3-5 down. But Sabalenka stopped her from gaining any more ground.

Coco Gauff faces major blow as Aryna Sabalenka retains position

Aryna Sabalenka showed her dominance once again as she shut down Gauff. While the US Open champion fought hard, she could not surmount the challenge of the Belarusian player. She was on the cusp of losing the first set, but managed to win against the world number 4 and then went on to become the first finalist of the 2024 Australian Open.

“Gauff v Sabalenka: The winner of today’s semifinal match will be ranked No.2 after the Australian Open.” Gauff, who is ranked 4 in the WTA, had the chance to rise to rank 2, had she won the bout. However, Sabalenka will retain her position at the second spot in the WTA table.

Aryna Sabalenka managed to earn her revenge against Coco Gauff after the US Open loss made her shed tears. She received motivation from her spirit animal when she encountered difficult moments in the match. 

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Sabalenka’s tiger spirit helps her through

The 25-year-old Belarusian star has a tattoo on her arm, which represents a tiger roaring. She got the ink work done when she turned 18, which was not liked by her mother. Sabalenka disliked the tattoo at first as well, but it ended up becoming an important symbol for her. Whenever she is feeling low, looking at the tattoo reminds her that she is a tigress and she needs to continue fighting.

The symbolism came in handy today as Sabalenka managed to collect her vengeance against the 19-year-old star. Both players fought well, especially Coco Gauff, who took the first set to a tie-break, but then, there could only be one winner. Now, Saba will move on to the final and only aim to defend her title. 

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