Australian Open: Sabalenka Powers Into Semi-Finals
-Melbourne: Aryna Sabalenka broke through the heat set to reach 45C and reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open as one of the most exciting talents in tennis, with Carlos Alcaraz making an offer to join her later on Tuesday.
World number one Sabalenka defeated 18-year-old American Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-0 and faced third seed Coco Gauff or 12th seed Elina Svitolina for a place in the final.
Belarusian number one seed Sabalenka is aiming to win the Melbourne crown for the third time in four years and looks to be in ominous form, but has yet to drop a set.
“These lads are testing me in the last few rounds,” said Sabalenka, 27, who is on a 10-match winning streak after winning in Brisbane this month.
“It was a difficult match. Don’t look at the score, it was not easy at all.
“He played incredible tennis. He pushed me one step further to a better level. I’m very happy to win.”
The match was played in the hot sun at Rod Laver Arena, with temperatures reaching 38C.
Immediately after the match the organizers closed the roof, meaning the other three quarter-finals will be played in much more comfortable temperatures.
The decision comes after the tournament reached the maximum “heat stress” rating of five for the second time in four days.
The measure is designed to protect players, fans and officials.
Games on outdoor courts, which were to host matches for young boys and girls, were postponed.
As temperatures reached 40°C on Saturday, away matches were suspended for approximately five hours.
The defeat ended a breakthrough tournament for Jovic, who is the youngest player in the women’s top 100 and is ranked 29th.
She stunned seventh seed and two-time Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini and edged out veteran Yulia Putintseva, who lost just one match to announce herself to the world.
But Sabalenka was a bridge too far.
– Alcaraz in home test –
Alcaraz will have to beat not only Alex de Minaur but also the patriotic fans to reach his first Australian Open semi-final.
Whoever comes out on top will meet German third seed Alexander Zverev, who lost the final to Jannik Sinner last year, or American next-generation star Learner Tien.
Spaniard Alcaraz, 22, has won six Grand Slams but has yet to make it past the last eight in Melbourne.
De Minaur has never progressed past the quarter-finals of a Slam and will be hoping the home fans can help him out in the final match of the day in midfield.
“For me, I will have to bring some of my best tennis,” said the Australian, who had lost all five previous encounters with Alcaraz.
Of the possibility of a closed roof, he added: “When I get out there on Tuesday, deal with whatever you have in front of you.”
