Australian Open 2024 LIVE RESULTS: Latest updates from day nine in Melbourne

Gauff responds to Sabalenka's growl

Coco Gauff refused to blame Aryna Sabalenka's snarl after the defending champion returned to the Australian Open final.

And the American claimed the world number 2 is not like an unnamed fellow star who turns up the volume on big points in matches.

When asked if the growling affected her, Gauff replied: “No, I don't think so. I don't notice it, you know, when I feel like it's at least consistent with her, so it doesn't bother me.

“I mean, I've played against a player in the past where the grunt wasn't consistent, where they grunted longer on 30-All or deuce point on purpose. If it's consistent, I can't really comment on it.

'I don't think you're allowed to growl while the person is hitting. Like I said, I didn't notice it. When you play her, you know she's going to do that. I don't think it's a tactic or anything. I think that's just the way she plays tennis.

“It didn't bother me. I don't understand how anyone could be bothered by it. But yeah, that doesn't bother me because it's consistent. If she did it extensively on certain balls, I'd be like, 'Okay, it's ridiculous.' No, I think it's just her. It is well. There have been other grunters in the past. I don't care.”