Australian Open day 12: Aryna Sabalenka remains on course for title defence
The story of the 12th day of action from Melbourne Park.
![Aryna Sabalenka, right, and Coco Gauff embrace following their Australian Open semi-final (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/static.independent.co.uk/2024/01/25/13/25-8308ba9e9f9d41e4bc1ac06d8b5ebbe5.jpg)
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Louise Thomas
Editor
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will take on first-time grand slam finalist Zheng Qinwen for the Australian Open crown on Saturday.
Sabalenka reversed the result of the US Open final, beating Coco Gauff 7-6 (2) 6-4, while 12th seed Zheng ended the run of qualifier Dayana Yastremska with a 6-4 6-4 victory.
Britain’s Alfie Hewett is one win away from defending his wheelchair title and will again face Japanese teenager Tokito Oda for the trophy.
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Who’s up next?
The men take centre stage on Friday, with Novak Djokovic putting his 33-match unbeaten run at Melbourne Park on the line in a semi-final clash against fourth seed Jannik Sinner.
In the night session, familiar foes Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev will do battle for a place in the final.
Britain’s Neal Skupski goes for a fourth grand slam title alongside American Desirae Krawczyk in the mixed doubles final, with the pair taking on Hsieh Su-wei and Jan Zielinski.
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