Tennis

Australian Open-Womens Singles 2024

Naomi Osaka's highly awaited return to Grand Slam tennis was cut short in the first round, as the two-time Australian Open champion was defeated by 16th seed Carolina Garcia with scores of 4-6, 6-7 (2) at the Rod Laver Arena on Monday, January 15. Coming back after a 15-month break from the tour and six months following the birth of her daughter, Shai, Osaka displayed readiness for top-level competition, challenging the in-form Garcia in a closely fought two-set match in Melbourne.&nbsp;JABEUR OFF TO A STRONG START&nbsp;Three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur made a commanding entrance into the women's singles second round, defeating Yuliia Starodubtseva with scores of 6-3, 6-1 on Monday. Jabeur expressed her delight at returning to the Australian Open, having opted for rest before the tournament. Recalling her less successful campaign last year and the support she received from fans who have followed her since her qualifying days in 2016, Jabeur felt encouraged and less stressed. The 6th seed is set to play against Mirra Andreeva, one of the three 16-year-olds who progressed to the second round of the women's singles at the Australian Open 2024.&nbsp;VONDROUSOVA'S GRAND SLAM QUEST DELAYEDMarketa Vondrousova's aspiration to reach the quarterfinals in all four Grand Slams remains unfulfilled, as the current Wimbledon champion was ousted from the Australian Open 2024. She faced a challenging match at John Cain Arena, succumbing to the powerful play of Dayana Yastremska with scores of 6-1, 6-2. Yastremska, known for her aggressive style, advanced into the main draw after enduring three-set battles in all her qualifying matches as the top seed.&nbsp;SVITOLINA'S REMARKABLE COMEBACKElina Svitolina made a significant return to the tennis circuit last April, post the birth of her daughter Skai, resulting in her missing the Australian Open 2023. Her impressive performances, including a quarterfinal at Roland-Garros and a semifinal at Wimbledon, catapulted her to 25th in the world rankings, a remarkable rise from having no ranking at her comeback event. This extraordinary comeback earned her the WTA’s Comeback Player of the Year award. Svitolina demonstrated her prowess by defeating Grand Slam singles debutant wildcard Taylah Preston with a convincing 6-2, 6-2 victory.&nbsp;MAIA SECURES SPOT IN SECOND ROUNDBrazilian 10th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia overcame Linda Fruhvirtova of the Czech Republic with scores of 6-2, 3-6, 6-2. This victory sets her up for a second-round match against qualifier Alina Korneeva.&nbsp;PAVLYUCHENKOVA ADVANCES PAST VEKICAnastasia Pavlyuchenkova's first-round match against Donna Vekic was a highlight, featuring two strong contenders. Pavlyuchenkova, a Grand Slam finalist, is on her way back from a serious knee injury, while Vekic had reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open 2023, matching her best performance at a major. Both players have had their share of injury struggles and are known for their resilience and competitive spirit. Pavlyuchenkova continued her winning streak against the Croatian, having defeated her last September, and secured another victory with a 6-4, 6-4 win over the 21st seed at Margaret Court Arena, following her close quarterfinal loss to world No.5 Jessica Pegula in Adelaide last week.&nbsp;MORE ON SPORTS TAK:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/tennis-news/australian-open-men-day-2-wrap-felix-auger-pegs-back-dominic-thiem-stefanos-tsitsipas-daniil-medvedev-andy-murray">Australian Open Men's singles Day 2 Wrap: Felix pegs back Thiem; Tsitsipas, Medvedev in while Murray, Wawrinka crash out</a><a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/axar-patel-gives-you-more-stability-than-ravindra-jadeja-parthiv-patel-t20-world-cup">'He gives you more stability than Jadeja': Parthiv Patel wants inclusion of this India star for T20 World Cup over veteran spinner</a><a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/shubman-gill-has-done-injustice-to-his-talent-salman-butt-stinging-remark-ahead-of-3rd-t20i-vs-afg">'Shubman Gill has done injustice to his talent': Former Pakistan captain's stinging remark on star India batter ahead of 3rd T20I vs AFG</a><a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/after-faf-du-plessis-stunner-romario-shepherd-takes-an-absolute-screamer-to-make-nandre-burger-jaw-drop-sa20">After Faf du Plessis' stunner, teammate Romario Shepherd takes an absolute screamer to make Nandre Burger's jaw drop; watch video</a><a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/axar-patel-chatters-into-ravindra-jadeja-territory-becomes-only-the-2nd-indian-to-achieve-this-big-record">Sachin Tendulkar pens strong message after fake video 'defaming' him and daughter Sara circulates on social media</a><a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/i-cannot-say-something-that-is-shreyas-iyer-reacts-to-t20i-snub-after-fulfilling-ranji-duties">'I cannot say something that is...': Shreyas Iyer reacts to T20I snub after fulfilling Ranji duties</a>

Naomi Osaka suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Carolina Garcia in Australian Open women's singles match while Ons Jabeur thrashed Yuliia Starodubtseva in straight sets.

australian-open-womens-singles-8-jan-2024

Australian Open, women's singles Day 2 Wrap: Two-time champion Naomi Osaka knocked out, Ons Jabeur rolls into 2nd round

Iga Swiatek faced a challenging opening match in her quest for a maiden Australian Open title on January 16. The world no.1 endured sweltering conditions at Rod Laver Arena as she overcame the 2020 champion Sofia Kenin with a 7-6(2), 6-2 victory.&nbsp;In a rematch four years after Swiatek's previous win in the French Open final, the 22-year-old demonstrated resilience by twice recovering from a deficit to claim the first set through a tie-break.&nbsp;The four-time major champion, coming off a strong performance with five consecutive singles wins in Poland's United Cup mixed team event, took control in the second set, breaking Kenin for a 3-2 lead.&nbsp;Despite facing injuries, illness, and off-court challenges in recent years, Kenin displayed resilience and fought valiantly. Although she had the chance to stage a comeback, the top seed, Swiatek, extended her lead and eventually secured the victory.&nbsp;"It wasn't the easiest first round," said Swiatek, who is now on a 17-match winning run after triumphs in Beijing and the WTA Finals last year as well as her United Cup heroics.&nbsp;"I tried to find my rhythm, play the important points well in the opening set. I felt off in terms of the timing. For sure the temperature was higher than any match I've played here and I needed to adjust as the balls were flying in these conditions."&nbsp;Iga Swiatek's next opponent will be Danielle Collins, the 2022 finalist, who secured a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory over former champion Angelique Kerber.&nbsp;"I can't say that I have an easy draw here. Danielle's a good player, we've played tight matches," Swiatek added. "Every match is different, I'm not going to anticipate anything and I'll be ready."&nbsp;The 14th-seeded Russian, Daria Kasatkina, managed to defeat American Peyton Stearns with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-2, but she also faced challenges coping with the weather.&nbsp;"It's windy and its hot, so it was difficult to control the ball," said Kasatkina, before looking ahead to her second-round clash with former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens.&nbsp;"I'm really happy with how I was able to play in the third set."&nbsp;Stephens, who achieved a career-high ranking of number three in 2018 but has since dropped to number 44, comfortably defeated local wild card Olivia Gadecki with a score of 6-3, 6-1.&nbsp;"Her ranking doesn't talk about her level," Kasatkina added. "I hope the crowd will be by my side, it'll be a tough match."&nbsp;Norwegian 11th seed Casper Ruud had a more relaxed day under the midday sun, cruising to a 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 victory as he eliminated Albert Ramos-Vinolas.&nbsp;"It's minus 20 back home, so it's quite a change. It's much nicer to be in the warm summer weather," said Ruud, who lost in the second round in 2023.&nbsp;"The body and tennis is feeling great. Hopefully I can have a good run down here. It's been a couple years in a row where I wasn't able to play as well as I hoped here. Hopefully 2024 we can turn that around."&nbsp;Czech 32nd seed Jiri Lehecka, coming off his maiden title win at the Adelaide International, maintained his impressive performance in Australia. The quarter-finalist from the previous year easily secured a 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Spaniard Bernabe Zapata Miralles.&nbsp;(Powered by AI)&nbsp;MORE ON SPORTS TAK:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/axar-patel-gives-you-more-stability-than-ravindra-jadeja-parthiv-patel-t20-world-cup">'He gives you more stability than Jadeja': Parthiv Patel wants inclusion of this India star for T20 World Cup over veteran spinner</a><a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/shubman-gill-has-done-injustice-to-his-talent-salman-butt-stinging-remark-ahead-of-3rd-t20i-vs-afg">'Shubman Gill has done injustice to his talent': Former Pakistan captain's stinging remark on star India batter ahead of 3rd T20I vs AFG</a>

World No.1 Iga Swiatek thrashed former champion Sofia Kenin 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 at the Rod Laver Arena and reached the second round of the Australian Open 2024.

Australian Open 2024: Iga Swiatek fends off former champion Sofia Kenin to march into second round

Aryna Sabalenka comprehensively defended her <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/tennis-news/rohan-bopanna-clinches-australian-open-2024-doubles-title-becomes-oldest-man-to-win-grand-slam-with-matthew-ebden">Australian Open</a> title by defeating Qinwen Zheng in straight sets in women's singles final in Melbourne on January 27. World no.2 Aryna Sabalenka clinched the Australian Open 2024 title with a 6-3, 6-2 win over the 12th-seeded Zheng, who was competing in her first grand slam final. This has happened for the first time in eleven years that any woman has defended her women's singles Australian Open title.&nbsp;Sabalenka also became only the fifth woman to win the Australian Open without dropping a set after Lindsay Davenport, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Ash Barty. Following her victory she became only the second woman to secure consecutive titles at Melbourne Park, a feat previously achieved by Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013.&nbsp;Sabalenka showcased remarkable consistency throughout the fortnight, not losing a single set and winning 28 of her last 29 sets in Melbourne, a streak that includes her championship run in 2023. This achievement made her the fifth player in history to win the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup without dropping a set, joining the ranks of Ash Barty (2022), Serena Williams (2017), Maria Sharapova (2008), and Lindsay Davenport (2000).This dominant victory also improved Sabalenka's record in major finals to 2-1, placing her among the 10 current WTA players who have won multiple Grand Slam titles. This elite group includes Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, Garbiñe Muguruza, Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and Venus Williams.In her third Grand Slam final appearance, Sabalenka gained an early advantage by breaking Zheng in the first set, leading 2-0. Zheng fought back, creating three break-point opportunities in the following game, but Sabalenka successfully defended them and took the first set 6-3 in just 32 minutes.In the second set, Sabalenka broke Zheng's serve twice, capitalizing on Zheng's struggle with her first serves. Sabalenka swiftly advanced to a 5-2, 40-0 lead, but Zheng saved four consecutive championship points, forcing deuces and earning a break point. Finally, on her fifth championship point, the 2023 US Open finalist sealed her victory.&nbsp;MORE ON SPORTS TAK:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/after-breaking-sachin-tendulkar-record-in-1st-innings-joe-root-overhauls-ricky-ponting-mark-in-2nd-innings-india-england-hyderabad-test">IND vs ENG: After breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record in 1st innings, Joe Root overhauls Ricky Ponting's mark in 2nd innings</a><a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/12th-fail-director-vidhu-vinod-chopra-son-gani-chopra-records-4th-consecutive-century-in-ranji-trophy-mizoram">'12th Fail' director's son continues to stay hot, records 4th consecutive century in Ranji Trophy, fans say 'how is he...'</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/icc-events-schedule-2024-27-cycle-revealed-india-to-host-two-more-world-cups-as-schedule-for-check-details-here">India to host two more World Cups as schedule for ICC events in 2024-27 cycle revealed; check details here</a>

Aryna Sabalenka clinched the Australian Open 2024's women's singles title after thrashing Qinwen Zheng in the final on January 27, Saturday.

Aryna Sabalenka scripts history after defending Australian Open title, thrashes Qinwen Zheng in final to become 1st to do this in 11 years

Iga Swiatek, the world no.1, saw her impressive 18-match winning streak come to an abrupt end at the <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/tennis-news/australian-open-novak-djokovic-marches-into-4th-round-after-hammering-tomas-martin-etcheverry">Australian Open</a> 2024 on Saturday, January 20. She was surprisingly defeated in the third round by unseeded Czech teenager Linda Noskova. Despite initially leading by winning the first set, the Polish number one seed faltered and eventually lost with scores of 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. The match lasted two hours and 20 minutes against the world number 50. After the first week in Melbourne, only three of the top 10 women's seeds are left in the tournament.&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ALL. THE. FEELS 💫<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/ja9FcDoatt">pic.twitter.com/ja9FcDoatt</a>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1748661004790055218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;"I'm speechless," said Noskova, who is at her first Australian Open.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I knew it was going to be an amazing match, but I didn't really think it would end up like this. "I'm just really glad to get through," she added in the post-match presentation.&nbsp;Swiatek, aged 22 and fresh off an impressive second-round comeback against former finalist Danielle Collins, secured a break in the sixth game and proceeded to win the first set in 43 minutes. The second set was closely contested, with both players facing challenges on their serves. They managed to save break points until Noskova achieved a break to love, gaining a 5-3 lead and subsequently serving out the set.In the deciding set, Swiatek faltered in the third game, finding herself in a difficult position. However, she rallied after a court-side discussion with her coaching team. Despite this, she faced further challenges on her serve, narrowly saving another break point to take a slight 3-2 lead.&nbsp;This respite for Swiatek was short-lived as she committed a forehand error in the seventh game, granting Noskova another break and a 4-3 advantage. Noskova then maintained her lead by holding serve for 5-3.Swiatek managed to hold her serve in the following game and even scored the first two points as Noskova served for the match. However, Noskova remained composed, delivering an ace to create a match point opportunity and ultimately clinching the victory.Noskova's next opponent will be either Ukrainian 19th seed Elina Svitolina or Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic.&nbsp;MORE ON SPORTS TAK:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/ravindra-jadeja-is-not-murali-or-warne-kevin-pietersen-india-vs-england-test-series">‘Jadeja is not Murali or Warne...': England legend's stinging remark hypes up India vs England Test series drama</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://MORE ON SPORTS TAK: Celebrated Pakistan captain takes bizarre step out of 'disheartenment and hopelessness about future', leaves country and moves to England - Reports&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Amidst separation rumours with Sania Mirza, Shoaib Malik confirms marriage with Pakistan actor Sana Javed; netizens react hilariously Is Sania Mirza divorced from Shoaib Malik? Indian tennis legend's family answers the burning question">Celebrated Pakistan captain takes bizarre step out of 'disheartenment and hopelessness about future', leaves country and moves to England - Reports</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/shoaib-malik-confirms-marriage-with-pakistan-actor-sana-javed-amidst-separation-rumours-with-sania-mirza-fans-react">Amidst separation rumours with Sania Mirza, Shoaib Malik confirms marriage with Pakistan actor Sana Javed; netizens react hilariously</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://Is Sania Mirza divorced from Shoaib Malik? Indian tennis legend's family answers the burning question">Is Sania Mirza divorced from Shoaib Malik? Indian tennis legend's family answers the burning question</a>

World no.1 Iga Swiatek faced a shocking defeat at the hands of world no.50 Linda Noskova with a scoreline of 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the Australian Open on January 20.

Big Upset: World no.1 knocked out of Australian Open 2024 after facing shocking defeat against unseeded teenager

World number 6 Ons Jabeur faced a straight sets defeat <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/tennis-news/its-a-definite-possibility-that-andy-murray-opens-up-about-his-future-after-first-round-defeat-in-australian-open">in the 2024 Australian Open </a>as she was knocked out by the Russian teen sensation Mirra Andreeva. The 16-year-old Andreeva achieved a significant milestone in her emerging career by defeating Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, in the second round. Andreeva secured her first-ever top-10 victory with a commanding 6-0, 6-2 win.&nbsp;Andreeva displayed remarkable composure beyond her years, particularly in a stunning 20-minute opening set. Despite facing an accomplished player like Jabeur, whom she admires as an "idol," Andreeva delivered a nerveless performance, marking a noteworthy achievement in her budding tennis journey.&nbsp;While former champion Caroline Wozniacki suffered a defeat in the second round against Qualifier Maria Timofeeva.&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">"I feel like I'm a bit more mature." You're only 16. "Well, last year I was 15" 😂 Mirra Andreeva • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/qrCLl8vYT3">pic.twitter.com/qrCLl8vYT3</a>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747442407283573093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;From the very beginning of the match, the Russian player dominated, delivering seven winners with just three unforced errors over six games. In contrast, Jabeur appeared visibly unsettled, accumulating a disappointing 10 mistakes while managing only four winners. This defeat marks Jabeur's second consecutive elimination in the second round of the Australian Open.&nbsp;<h3>Wozniacki 'S Early Exit</h3>&nbsp;On the other hand, former world number 1 and 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki faced elimination in the second round at the hands of Timofeeva. After losing the initial set, the 20-year-old Timofeeva staged a comeback, winning the next two sets to secure a 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory over the former champion. The match extended for 2 hours and 21 minutes.&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ending the rally with an 💥<a href="https://twitter.com/CaroWozniacki?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaroWozniacki</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a><a href="https://t.co/mtiyJqCkss">pic.twitter.com/mtiyJqCkss</a>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1747434056155795930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;In her post-match statement, Timofeeva expressed the honour she felt in playing against Wozniacki after her victory. "I'm really a bit speechless now. It was an honour for me to play here against Caroline today. Honestly I was going [into] the match without any expectations, just to show what I'm capable of and see how the match goes, and it was really great. I enjoyed every second of it," said Timofeeva in the on-court interview.&nbsp;(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)&nbsp;MORE ON SPORTS TAK:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/finn-allen-whacks-16-sixes-in-137-run-knock-shaheen-afridi-and-haris-rauf-combine-to-concede-mind-boggling-103-runs-in-8-overs-new-zealand-pakistan-3rd-t20i">NZ vs PAK: Pakistan bowlers surrender as Finn Allen whacks 16 sixes in 137-run knock, Afridi and Rauf combine to concede a mind-boggling 103 runs in 8 overs</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/fill-allen-century-assault-downs-pakistan-in-dunedin-by-45-runs-new-zealand-take-unassailable-3-0-lead">NZ vs PAK: Fill Allen's record-breaking assault downs Pakistan in Dunedin by 45 runs, New Zealand take unassailable 3-0 lead</a>

Ons Jabeur suffered elimination from the 2024 Australian Open after a straight sets loss to Mirra Andreeva, while Caroline Wozniacki faced defeat in the 2nd round against Qualifier Maria Timofeeva.

Australian Open 2024: 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva fends off Ons Jabeur in 2nd round, Maria Timofeeva stuns former champion Caroline Wozniacki

China's Zheng Qinwen ended the fairytale run of Dayana Yastremska <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/tennis-news/chinas-zheng-qinwen-moves-to-fourth-round-after-win-over-wang-yafan">at the Australian Open 2024 </a>on January 25 with a 6-4, 6-4 victory, securing her place in her first Grand Slam final where she will face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.&nbsp;The points were short and sharp throughout the battle, following a similar pattern in both sets. The two players exchanged breaks early on, with Zheng securing an additional break in the seventh game in both sets.&nbsp;In the first set, Zheng maintained pressure on Yastremska, hitting cross-court winners from both wings. This left the 23-year-old Ukrainian in discomfort, clutching her abdomen in pain. After a medical timeout off the court, Yastremska returned with Zheng holding in the next game.&nbsp;Although Yastremska extended the set by winning the following game with a clever drop shot, she committed errors in the next game, ultimately handing Zheng the first set.&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Understandably elated post-match, Qinwen Zheng has a final to prepare for!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/tJ6HlxMbGw">pic.twitter.com/tJ6HlxMbGw</a>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1750500893403791841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;The 12th seed began the second set on a strong note, holding her first service game to love and securing an early break after a series of errors from Yastremska. However, the Ukrainian quickly broke back.&nbsp;In the seventh game, Zheng managed to break again, benefiting from a double fault by Yastremska and a shanked shot that went long. Yastremska courageously held in the next game, as Zheng missed an easy smash. However, the Chinese player sealed the match with an unreturnable serve.&nbsp;In the other semifinal, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka avenged her US Open final loss to Coco Gauff and achieved the feat of being the first woman since Serena Williams to reach back-to-back finals at the Australian Open.&nbsp;Sabalenka aggressively targeted Gauff's serve in a 7-6 (2), 6-4 semifinal victory. She is set to face either Qinwen in the championship decider on January 27. This marks the first Grand Slam semifinal for both Zheng and the 93rd-ranked Yastremska.&nbsp;Sabalenka is currently on a 13-match winning streak at Melbourne Park, where she had her Grand Slam breakthrough last year. The last woman to reach consecutive finals at the Australian Open before Sabalenka was Serena Williams in 2015, '16, and '17.&nbsp;Gauff entered the semifinals undefeated in 2024 after securing a title in Auckland, New Zealand.&nbsp;(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)&nbsp;MORE ON SPORTS TAK:<a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/ab-de-villiers-statement-after-yashasvi-jaiswal-fiery-start-you-dont-have-to-call-it-brave-bold-or-bazball">‘You don't have to call it brave, bold or Bazball’: AB de Villiers makes stunning statement after Yashasvi Jaiswal punishes England bowlers</a><a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/debutant-tom-hartley-becomes-first-england-spinner-in-103-years-to-open-bowling-on-debut-test-cricket">Debutant Tom Hartley becomes first England spinner in 103 years to achieve this feat in Test cricket without taking a wicket</a>

Zheng Qinwen bows out Dayana Yastremska in the Australian Open 2024 women's singles semifinal. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the final by defeating US Open winner Coco Gauff.

China's Zheng Qinwen bows out Dayana Yastremska in Australia Open semi final, Aryna Sabalenka beats Coco Gauff to reach in final

Coco Gauff made an impressive start to her <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/tennis-news/matteo-berrettini-ruled-out-of-australian-open-2024-after-injury-concerns-replacement-announced">Australian Open 2024</a> journey by defeating Slovakia's Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-3, 6-0 in the first round of the women's singles at Rod Laver Arena. Gauff efficiently secured victory in just one hour against her Slovakian adversary.&nbsp;Entering the hard-court tournament at Melbourne Park fresh from her triumph at the ASB Classic, Gauff left no room for Schmiedlova to breathe. She took control right from the start, establishing a 3-1 lead with two breaks of serve.&nbsp;Despite Schmiedlova managing to recover with three breaks, Gauff demonstrated resilience, ultimately closing out the set with four service breaks. The second set unfolded as a one-sided affair, with the American teenager dominating proceedings.&nbsp;In the upcoming round, the 19-year-old Gauff will face Caroline Dolehide, who secured a 6-2, 6-4 victory against qualifier Leolia Jeanjean in the opening round.&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">8️⃣ straight games to finish!<a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CocoGauff</a> eases past Schmiedlova 6-3 6-0 to reach the second round.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a><a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/KUrGeCdUhE">pic.twitter.com/KUrGeCdUhE</a>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1746718139302187382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;In the men's singles, Ben Shelton advanced to the second round by defeating Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut with a score of 6-2, 7-6, 7-5. It took him 2 hours and 46 minutes to secure the victory.&nbsp;Shelton's proficiency with his first serves was notable, winning 79 percent of points from them. He also applied pressure on Agut by delivering 14 aces. The significant contribution of 53 winners played a crucial role in Shelton's success.&nbsp;In the upcoming round, Shelton is set to face Australia's Christopher O'Connell, who also progressed to the second round after a challenging match against another player named Christopher O'Connell, ultimately winning 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, 1-6, 5-7.&nbsp;Daniil Medvedev experienced some fortunate circumstances when qualifier Terence Atmane, making his Grand Slam debut, retired mid-match due to injury.&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Chin up, Terence Atmane. An incredible effort on his Grand Slam debut 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/GubCvUcdXv">pic.twitter.com/GubCvUcdXv</a>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1746744032980586607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;Medvedev held a lead of 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 1-0 when he received a walkover as Atmane was unable to continue. His upcoming opponent will be Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori, who emerged victorious against qualifier Patrick Kypson in the initial round.&nbsp;(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)&nbsp;MORE ON SPORTS TAK:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/india-afghanistan-2nd-t20i-after-whirlwind-knock-in-indore-yashasvi-jaiswal-reveals-what-is-it-like-to-bat-with-virat-kohli">IND vs AFG: After whirlwind knock in Indore, Yashasvi Jaiswal reveals what's it like to bat with Virat Kohli</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/virat-kohli-and-rohit-sharma-laugh-uncontrollably-during-hilarious-banter-with-shivam-dube-video-goes-viral-india-afghanistan-2nd-t20i">WATCH: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma laugh uncontrollably during 'hilarious banter' with Shivam Dube; video goes viral</a>

US Open champion Coco Gauff, Daniil Medvedev, and Ben Shelton swept into the second round of the hard-court tournament at Melbourne Park on January 14.

Australian Open 2024: Coco Gauff, Ben Shelton advance to Round 2, Daniil Medvedev prevails after Terence Atmane’s retirement

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