Both Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff recovered quite well from a second set stumble in the previous round to emerge victorious. The latter needed to go the extra mile as well as she trailed by a break in the deciding set.

Gauff’s troublesome forehand almost sent her packing in the previous round, but her fighting spirit pulled her over the finish line. She has previously been able to handle Sabalenka’s power-packed game with her athleticism and defensive skills, but will need something more this time around.

While Gauff has a winning record against Sabalenka, the latter is in great form at the moment. She’s oozing confidence following her run at the Australian Open and has lost just one match this year.

The slow conditions here blunt Sabalenka’s game just a bit, but she has managed to do well here so far. It is imperative to note that Sabalenka has improved markedly in that span and enters this match as a huge favorite. 

Gauff’s forehand continues to falter in big moments and will need some tweaking to have a shot at Sabalenka here. Given their history, Gauff does have a shot, but if the Belarusian maintains her current level then there’s no stopping her.

My prediction : Sabalenka to win @1,56