Aryna Sabalenka is into yet another Australian Open semi-final, having brushed aside the in-form teenager Iva Jovic with frightening comfort.
As the American enjoyed the run of her short career thus far, the world number one exhibited exactly why she is just that, claiming a ruthless 6-3, 6-0 win.
She now awaits the result of another match, with Coco Gauff facing Elina Svitolina for the opportunity to face her next.
Speaking after her superb performance, Aryna Sabalenka turned analytical in her press conference, before being asked who she might prefer to play out of the aforementioned duo.
Aryna Sabalenka previews her Australian Open semi-final
First asked about that emphatic 6-0 second set, praised for her ‘incredibly clean’ tennis, the Belarusian admitted: “Definitely not many matches [where I have played that well].
“Yeah, the second set I felt like I have to step in and put even more pressure on her, because I can see that she’s young, she’s hungry, and I could tell during the match that no matter what’s the score, she’s still going to be there trying and trying to figure her way.
Who is your money on?
“I knew that I have to step in and show the level and the class. I think it really helped me kind of, like, just go for my shots and help me to trust my game. Yeah, that was definitely amazing performance in the second set.”
Then asked about whether she wants to play Gauff or Svitolina, Sabalenka was unsurprisingly coy in her answer: “Well, it doesn’t matter who is going to make it to the semis. It’s going to be a battle, because whoever makes it there, it’s incredible player. I think my approach is going to be the same. Doesn’t matter who I’m facing.
“I’ll just go, and I’ll be focused on myself and on my game, and I’ll be fighting for every point. That’s my approach.”
She concluded by explaining what she plans to do if it is to be Gauff, adding: “I think we know each other quite well, and we know the tactic that each of us going to bring on court.
“Once again, I honestly don’t care if it’s Coco or if it’s Elina. I’ll be out there, I’ll be fighting, I’ll be doing everything I can to get the win.”
Amanda Anisimova has noticed something about Jovic’s tennis over the last week or so too, proving that this Australian Open run has really put her on the map.
Iva Jovic’s fairytale run at the Australian Open
Although Iva Jovic was well beaten by Sabalenka earlier today, it should not detract from what was a fairytale run for the 18-year-old.
After all, until her defeat earlier today, she had yet to drop a set.
She kickstarted her campaign with a routine win over compatriot Katie Volynets, before beating Priscilla Hon with even greater ease.
Who has impressed you the most?
Next came the win of her tournament thus far, beating the seventh seed Jasmine Paolini, before inflicting a brutal beatdown on Yulia Putintseva, 6-0, 6-1.
Sabalenka’s power and quality proved a step too far for Jovic, but what she has accomplished over the last week should set her up for a sparkling career laden with success.
