Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka blasts into Australian Open semis

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka displayed her dominance on Tuesday as she breezed past ninth seed Barbora Krejcikova, securing her spot in the Australian Open semi-final against Coco Gauff in Melbourne.

Ranked as the world number two, Sabalenka delivered an impeccable performance with a commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory on Rod Laver Arena, marking her sixth consecutive appearance in the last four at a Grand Slam.

Setting the stage for an intriguing semi-final clash, Sabalenka will face Coco Gauff in a rematch of last year's US Open final, where the American teenager emerged victorious in a thrilling three-set battle.

Determined to prove that her success is not a one-time achievement, Sabalenka has showcased outstanding form at Melbourne Park, having dropped only 16 games thus far.

Gauff, despite her impressive run, will enter the semi-final as the underdog once again. The upcoming showdown promises to be a compelling encounter between the reigning champion and the talented American star.

"I played really great tennis, I just hope I can keep playing this way," said the 25-year-old Sabalenka.

"I mean, it's all because of the atmosphere. I have the best support here."

Sabalenka, the Belarusian tennis star, maintained her impeccable record in Grand Slam quarter-finals by securing a victory in her eighth consecutive appearance. Her flawless track record in these crucial matches has been attributed to her unwavering dedication and hard work.

"A lot of hard work. I have been working so hard this last year and in the pre-season. It's all about hard work, give it all in the practice court so you are ready for the match," she said.

Sabalenka swiftly asserted her dominance against Barbora Krejcikova, the 2021 French Open champion, wasting no time in dictating the match. In the third game, she efficiently capitalised on two break points, showcasing precision and determination.

The Belarusian continued her authoritative performance, securing additional breaks in the fifth and seventh games. Sabalenka exhibited complete control, serving flawlessly and wrapping up the first set in just 33 minutes.

Krejcikova, who had battled through a challenging path to the quarterfinals, showing resilience after losing the first set in three of her initial four matches, found no room for a comeback against Sabalenka's peak performance. The second set unfolded similarly, with Sabalenka breaking in the third and fifth games.

While the Czech player staged a minor recovery, it proved insufficient against Sabalenka's unstoppable groundstrokes. Despite Krejcikova's efforts, the second seed surged ahead, sealing the victory and underlining her dominance on the court.

(With PTI inputs)