Beaten Gauff denies distraction from opponent's act

Coco Gauff is adamant she wasn’t distracted by Aryna Sabalenka’s grunt during the 19-year-old’s straight sets loss to the world No.2 in the Australian Open semi-final on Thursday night.

The world No.5 went down 6-7, 4-6 to the reigning Australian Open champion on Rod Laver Arena.

Gauff placed the blame on herself for being unable to replicate their encounter in the US Open final last year.

RECAP: Australian Open 2024 day 12

“I have played her a lot, so I can’t sit here and say that the grunt is distracting. I don’t even know, it’s like the fifth time we have played,” Gauff said in her post match media conference on Thursday night.

“I don’t notice. I feel like at least with her it’s consistent, so it doesn’t bother me.

A frustrated Coco Gauff went down in straight sets at the hands of Aryna Sabalenka.

“I’ve played a player in the past where the grunt wasn’t consistent, where they would grunt longer on purpose on 30-all or deuce point.

“I don’t think it’s a tactic or anything. I think that’s just how she plays tennis.”

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The US Open final was the last time the pair met, when Gauff shocked Sabalenka, defeating her 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, to claim the first title of her short but impressive career.

Reflecting on what has changed since then, Gauff admits she felt her game on Rod Laver Arena was “better” than on home soil in September.

“She served better (tonight). (In the) US Open … she made less errors, but also I feel like I played a little bit more aggressive this time,” Gauff said.

“So, you know, US Open I felt like wasn’t, like, a great match, like, for me. Yes, I won, (but) I think I played better tonight.”

The 19-year-old may finish her last grand slam as a teenager with a loss, but alongside that is the US Open title and a finals berth at the French Open in 2022.

Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka embrace after a straight sets battle on Rod Laver Arena.

“I’m going to dwell on it tonight. But as Brad (Gilbert, coach) told me as soon as the match was over, the sun is going to rise tomorrow and you have a new chance to live a good day,” Gauff said.

“Tomorrow, I don’t know. I’m going to try to go to the movies or something, be proud of myself.”

Sabalenka will now face 21-year-old Chinese world No.12 Qinwen Zheng in the Australian Open women’s final on Saturday.