After a second brutal performance to upset Croatia’s Donna Vekic 6-3, 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena, Belarusian Sabalenka appears to be a hot favourite to win her first major title.
On Wednesday at the Australian Open, Aryna Sabalenka lined up a semi-final with surprise package Magda Linette. Novak Djokovic will then step up his quest for a 22nd Grand Slam victory. After a second brutal performance to upset Croatia’s Donna Vekic 6-3, 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena, Belarusian Sabalenka appears to be a hot favourite to win her first major title. The highest seed still standing in a women’s draw that has been upended by upsets is Sabalenka, who is seeded fifth. The game was tighter than the score would have you believe, but Sabalenka is on fire right now. She hasn’t lost a set in Melbourne and has won all nine of her matches so far in 2023.
It is a big cry from a year ago, when she had severe serve issues and broke down in tears during a warm-up match for the Australian Open.
Sabalenka, 24, who was playing in her maiden Australian Open quarterfinal, said, “It feels incredibly great to be in the semi-finals here, it was a tough match.”
“I’m overjoyed with the victory, and playing here today was such a blast—the energy was incredible.”
First major semifinal at the age of 30
Sabalenka, who advanced to her first major semifinal at the age of 30, will face unseeded Linette for a spot in Saturday’s final.
Following the unexpected exit of world number one Iga Swiatek, Linette stunned former world number one Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 7-5 to carry the Polish flag for the remainder of the match.
Linette, who is currently ranked 45 in the world, said, “I’m so emotional, I can’t really believe it.
“It’s a fantasy realised. I’m quite appreciative and joyful. I appreciate your support and encouragement; I truly needed it.
“So we continue. Due to the fact that we are still in the competition, I don’t want to become too ecstatic “said the Pole, who will make his debut appearance in the top 30.
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