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'THAT'S WHY I WENT TO HIM': AROUND THE PRESSERS, AO DAY 10

Writer's picture: Teodora JovicTeodora Jovic


Day 10 produced some incredible tennis, upsets, and memorable quotes from the press conferences of Australian Open players. 


Spanish 11th seed Paula Badosa stunned third-seed American Coco Gauff with a stunning 7-5, 6-4 victory to achieve her first-ever Grand Slam semi-final. 


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Even though she was locked in a tough battle, she tried to appreciate the moment and soak in the atmosphere of the match. 


"Today I was trying to, even though the level was very high and tough and, of course, there was nerves, I was trying to look up and see the crowd and everything and to appreciate it and to enjoy that moment, because we train for that," Badosa said. 


"I think it was a beautiful moment."


Gauff commented that she is still taking positives from the match, regardless of her disappointment with the outcome. 


"Obviously it's tough right after," the American said. 


"I'm still disappointed, but I think the way I played, even though it wasn't my best, I gave it my all on the court, so that's something to be proud of."


Germany’s second-seed Alexander Zverev took out No.12 seed Tommy Paul in a turbulent 7-6 (1), 7-6 (0), 2-6, 6-1 win. The second seed fended off set points in both of the first two seeds, finding all the right answers in the moments that mattered. 


"You know, he did what he always does," Paul stated, perfectly encapsulating the match. 


"He picks up his level at the big moments, and my level unfortunately dropped in the big moments today."


Zverev was happy with his performance and looks forward to a battle in the semi-finals regardless of who he faces. 


"I think if you are in a semi-final of a Grand Slam, you have to expect a tough match," Zverev stated. 


"You're not going to get to the semis of a Grand Slam by not deserving to be there and not playing great tennis."


First seed and two-time reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka faced a scare today, eventually overcoming Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2 2-6 6-3.


Sabalenka credits her improved mentality as the key to turning the match around despite the difficult conditions. 


"I think I'm managing my emotions much better," the two-time Australian Open winner explained. 


"Even if I get frustrated on the court, I'm able to bring myself back on court and shift my focus to the right direction. 


"I think that's been the key in most of the matches."



Pavlyuchenkova would like to use the momentum she has created to reach the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park into the rest of the year and take an alternative approach to the remainder of the season. 


"I in general would like to take this year and approach to this year completely different because I'm obviously older," she said.


"Yeah, I've had a great start to the season here, so I'll try to take this momentum to the next months."


The final match on Rod Laver Arena proved worthy of all the hype surrounding it. Serbia’s seventh seed Novak Djokovic took down Spain's third-seeded Carlos Alcaraz in four phenomenal sets, 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 to continue his quest for an 11th Australian Open crown.


Overcoming injury pains after the first set Djokovic showed why he is the king of Melbourne Park by delivering a brilliant performance that Alcaraz simply could not compete with over the next three sets. 


"When Novak is at this level, it's really difficult," Alcaraz said. 


"I think I had my chances. It was a really close match. I think most of the crucial points, it went to his side."


For Djokovic, he believed he showcased some of his very best tennis.


"Yes, best match of the tournament for me and possibly one of the best matches that was played on the men's side," the former world No.1 said.


"Just super proud to push this one through in the four set."


Djokovic also shared a special moment with coach Andy Murray after the match. 


"This was a huge win for all of us, including Andy and myself, you know, for the relationship.


“That's why I went to him, because I just felt very grateful that he's there."


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