Aryna Sabalenka overcame searing temperatures and one of the most exciting young talents in women’s tennis to power into the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Tuesday.
The world number one tamed 18-year-old American Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-0 in punishing 38°C conditions to book her place in the last four. Sabalenka will next face either third seed Coco Gauff or 12th seed Elina Svitolina for a spot in the final.
The 27-year-old Belarusian described her mentality at the tournament as “trophy or nothing” following another dominant display.
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A four-time Grand Slam singles champion, Sabalenka has now reached the semi-finals in 14 of the last 17 majors she has contested. She has also become only the third woman in the past 38 years to reach eight consecutive Grand Slam singles semi-finals, joining Lindsay Davenport and Martina Hingis.
“I think that it’s unbelievable what I was able to achieve,” Sabalenka said.
“What’s really helping me to be there all the time is the focus that I’m having. Focusing on the right things definitely helps a lot with the consistency.”
With the hottest day in Melbourne in 17 years forecast and temperatures expected to climb as high as 45°C, efficiency was key for Sabalenka, who is yet to drop a set at the tournament.
“At the end of the match, it was really hot out there,” she said. “I’m glad they closed the roof almost halfway so we had a lot of shade in the back.”
Sabalenka added with a smile: “I guess, as women, we are stronger than the guys, so they had to close the roof for the guys so they don’t suffer.
“I knew going into this match that they wouldn’t let us play in heat. If it reached five, they would definitely close the roof, so I knew they were protecting us and our health. It’s okay. I’m happy with how I managed it.”
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