The 24-year-old, who won her first Major in January at the Australian Open, will face Greece's Maria Sakkari (7th), finalist of the event last year, or Czech Petra Kvitova (15th), opposed at night.
Since his victory in Melbourne, Sabalenka has a lot of confidence, losing only one match out of 17 played this season, giving up only five sets en route.
"It's a nice feeling, but 'confidence' is a word I don't like too much. I would talk more about self-belief. I know that in every match, I give the best of myself," she commented hotly.
She made the brilliant demonstration against Gauff, who had won three of their four previous meetings, less than 24 hours after having to work otherwise to dismiss the Czech Barbora Krejcikova (16th) 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, in the 1/8th final.
More aggressive, more powerful, more consistent, she had no trouble getting rid of the 19-year-old American in just over an hour, who did not look good on her plate, despite the admiring public support of the Belarusian for her show of strength.
"Oh, come on! I know you wish you had sent me home. But I don't want to leave, the atmosphere is great here!" joked, all smiles, Sabalenka who reached the last square for the first time in the Californian desert.
© 2023 AFP