Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka edged closer to a third title of the season as she hammered Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-0 on Wednesday to move into the Indian Wells semi-finals on Wednesday.
Sabalenka needed 64 minutes to defeat the American prodigy, running her record to 16 victories from 17 matches this season.
In addition to the Melbourne Grand Slam, she also owns an Adelaide title in 2023.
The second seed’s victory ended home hopes in the Californian desert spectacular.
Gauf had won three of their four previous matches – including the last two including headline events in Toronto and Rome.
Sabalenka.s victory ran her 2023 total to 16 match wins, one less than current leader Caroline Garcia.
“I knew if I’m gonna bring my tennis on court today, that I’ll have chances to win this match,” she said.
“So I’m super happy that I was able to show my best tennis today.”
Sabalenka added: “I didn’t really think about our previous matches; I feel a little bit different on the court this year.
“I’m a little bit different player. Yeah, I wasn’t really focusing on the last matches against her. I was focused on myself.”
Sabalenka started both sets against Gauff with breaks and was never threatened by the Florida teen who turned 19 on Monday.
Main photo:- Aryna Sabalenka celebrates after winning Australian Open 2023 by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
