Gauff vs Sabalenka: Australian Open Semi-final Analysis
Key factors and tactical nuances that led Sabalenka to victory
At first, it looked like a renewed version of the US Open final. Sabalenka jumped once again to a 5-2 lead and a Gauff reaction followed. However, this one arrived earlier than in New York, as Gauff turned the first set around by winning 4 games in a row to earn the opportunity to serve it out at 6-5 (after saving a set point in her previous serve game). If Sabalenka had tightened up, she rediscovered her composure just in time to go on a run of 8 straight points, breaking back and charging to a 4-0 lead in the tie-break. Sabalenka won it flawlessly by a 7-2 score.
In the second set, Sabalenka was imperial on serve. She won her first 10 serve points and was never troubled (lost just 6 serve points). The match balanced on Sabalenka’s ability to convert one break point. After missing chances in the first and seventh games, she finally converted her 5th BP of the set as Gauff served at 4-4. It was all Sabalenka needed to secure back-to-back presences in the Australian Open final.
Match data reveals four decisive factors that led Sabalenka to victory. They entail interesting changes in comparison to the US Open final.
Sabalenka: wide 1st serves
Sabalenka: crosscourt attacks in set 1, down the line in set 2
Gauff: struggles serving to the AD side
Sabalenka: first-strike tennis
1. Sabalenka: wide 1st serves