Aryna Sabalenka has not only won through to the Australian Open final, but also the hearts of the Rod Laver Arena crowd with a touching gesture.
Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff in a rematch of last year’s US Open final, prevailing in two tight sets to book her place in a second consecutive Australian Open decider.
Interviewing the 2023 champion after the match, Jelena Dokic had a request for Sabalenka at the end of her interview.
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“You gave me a towel, they’re precious, everyone wants one,” Dokic began.
“I said ‘You’re winning so much, you probably have about 20 in your hotel room.’ You gave me one, which you were so kind to give me. I’ll take another one, by the way.
“What I want to do, if you’re OK with it, can you sign it, because then we will auction it off for kids and women affected by domestic violence. Is that OK?”
Sabalenka not only agreed, but gave Dokic a second signed towel to auction off, with the crowd cheering throughout.
“That’s why we love you,” Dokic said.
“A fierce competitor on the court. I don’t think people know just how kind and compassionate you are, because as soon as I said it you said ‘I’ll give you another one.’”
Dokic has spoken openly in recent years about abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, including during her tennis career.
It also comes as men’s semi-finalist Alexander Zverev awaits trial for alleged domestic abuse of an ex-partner.
Sabalenka on Saturday will be aiming to win her second grand slam singles title after a breakout 2023 campaign, which included a run to at least the semi finals of every grand slam.
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