Sabalenka defeats Gauff to reach back-to-back Australian Open finals 

FINAL-BOUND: Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Coco Gauff. Pic: Alessandra Tarantino

Aryna Sabalenka took her revenge against Coco Gauff to make it back-to-back Australian Open final appearances.

Gauff denied Sabalenka a second grand slam title of the year with victory in the US Open final last summer but her winning run at the majors came to an end with a 7-6 (2) 6-4 defeat under the roof on Rod Laver Arena.

Sabalenka will now be a big favourite to win a second straight title at Melbourne Park on Saturday.

Sabalenka said: "I think I was able to focus on myself. I was prepared that she was going to move really good and put up all balls back to me and I just have to be ready to play an extra shot. I was just ready for anything tonight and I think that was the key."

On Gauff, the second seed added: "I really enjoy playing her. Win or lose it's great matches. I really hope in the future we're going to play many more finals. Hopefully I'm going to win all of them."