Aryna Sabalenka has lavished praise on Coco Gauff after beating the youngster to make the final of the Australian Open.
The 25-year-old went into their semi-final clash on Thursday trailing her opponent when it comes to their head-to-head record.
But Sabalenka produced a sensational performance to book her place in Saturday's final.
The Belarusian won 7-6, 6-4 at the Rod Laver Arena and will now face either Dayana Yastremska or Qinwen Zheng in two days' time.
Aryna Sabalenka was delighted after beating Coco Gauff at the Australian Open
GETTY
Sabalenka and Gauff have now met seven times in total.
And the Australian Open star sent a message of support to her rival, while also admitting she relishes their matches.
"As I said before, it's always a great fight," said the 25-year-old.
"She's an incredible player. I really enjoy playing her. Win or lose, it's always great matches. She's a great player.
"I really hope that in the future we're going to play many more finals and I mean hopefully I'm going to win all of them! I really enjoy playing her."
On how she secured victory Down Under, she continued: "I think I was able to focus on myself and I was preparing that Coco Gauff is going to move really good and she's going to put 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 and definitely your support guys.
"Last time I played here I didn't have almost any support and today guys, thank you!
"It's definitely felt like home. Thank you so much. I really appreciate the support and atmosphere.
"You make this place feel really special."
Sabalenka achieved the victory while playing in front of several tennis legends.
The likes of Billie Jean King and Evonne Goolagong Cawley were in attendance to watch the Belarusian reign supreme.
And playing in front of such icons was something Sabalenka was aware of as she powered her way closer to Grand Slam glory.
"I couldn't dream to play in front of you guys. Thank you so much for everything you've done for our sport," she added.
"It's a privilege to play in front of you. Thank you so much."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Aryna Sabalenka is enjoying her rivalry with Coco Gauff after powering into the final of the Australian Open
GETTY
Sabalenka is the reigning Australian Open champion.
She won the prize last year by beating Elena Rybakina 4-6 6-3 6-4 in a thriller for the ages.
Her victory over Gauff will be extra sweet, too, having lost to the American in last year's US Open final.
If Sabalenka does manage to win the Australian Open for the second year in a row, she'll become the first female player to retain the trophy since Victoria Azarenka.
As for Gauff, the 19-year-old will need to lick her wounds and go again.
Aryna Sabalenka is just one win away from retaining her Australian Open title
GETTY
She has enjoyed a stunning rise over the past couple of years, with her US Open triumph particularly memorable.
But Gauff will need to spend some time getting over this result, having dreamed of a second Grand Slam title.
