Aryna Sabalenka reveals ‘approach’ ahead of Coco Gauff showdown in Wuhan

Aryna Sabalenka has revealed her “focus” will be on an aggressive mindset when she takes on Coco Gauff for a place in the Wuhan Open final.

World No.2 Sabalenka extended her perfect Wuhan record with a comprehensive 6-2 6-2 win over Magdalena Frech on Friday, with the two-time champion now 15-0 at the event WTA 1000.

However, he will face the toughest test of his title quest on Saturday against Gauff, who has now won nine straight matches.

The American entered this event after winning the second WTA 1000 title of her career at the China Open, and is yet to drop a set in Wuhan.

Gauff dropped just four games in a 6-0, 6-4 win over Magda Linette on Friday, and holds a slim 4-3 lead in her matchup against Sabalenka.

The world No.4 won their most famous meeting in the US Open final a year ago, although Sabalenka won their last meeting, in the semi-finals of the Australian Open earlier in year

The Belarusian looks to put pressure back on the American star by rushing her and going to the net to finish off points, a tactic that worked for her in Melbourne.

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She said: “I think the biggest thing is, once again, focus on myself, focus on my footwork, go to the net, finish the point (above).

“On this slow surface, you have to be brave enough and finish the point there. I think that’s the main plan. It worked really well at our last meeting, so I’ll stick with the plan.

“I’ll try to put as much pressure on him as possible.”

Sabalenka and Gauff’s rivalry has been intense since they first met at the Lexington Open four years ago.

Gauff, just 16 at the time, won this in three sets and held a 3-1 head-to-head lead early on, although Sabalenka has won two of her last three matches.

The Belarusian’s momentum may have stalled a bit after her China Open loss to Karolina Muchova, but she has been in fine form in recent months, winning titles at the US Open and of the Cincinnati Open.

However, Gauff’s new partnership with Matt Daly has started brightly, and this promises to be a hard-fought and very intriguing encounter.

Victory for Sabalenka would extend her lead over world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the race to finish the year at the top of the WTA rankings.

She is on 8,481 points in the WTA Live Race, with Swiatek on 8,285 points.

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