The Belarusian is looking for her second straight title in Melbourne. She decided on her second match point with a heavy serve.
– I was ready for everything and that was the key tonight. She gets everything back and I was prepared to take an extra shot, says Sabalenka from the track in Eurosport’s broadcast.
She has yet to drop a set in the tournament.
Sabalenka also got revenge on the 19-year-old world number four Gauff for the final loss in the US Open last fall.
– I like playing against Coco Gauff and hope that we will meet in many more finals in the future and that I will win. Regardless of whether I lose or win, these are great matches, says Sabalenka.
Thanked legends in the stands
Legends like Billie Jean King and Evonne Goolagong Cawley sat next to each other at Rod Laver Arena.
– I couldn’t dream of playing in front of you. Thank you so much for everything you have done for the sport, says Sabalenka, looking towards the stands.
– It is a privilege to play in front of you, says the world number two, who will retain that ranking after the tournament. Iga Swiatek tops the ranking.
Sabalenka went up 5-2 in the first set and also had a set point at 5-4 before it went to a tiebreak. There she took out her power tennis and pushed the balls so hard that Gauff at one point fell over and won the tiebreak 7-2.