Sweet message from Sarah's family after first week with Today

After a successful first week at the Today desk, Sarah Abo's family have offered a sweet message of support for Karl's new co-host.

Her father Fouad and younger sister Shaz joined the Today team at the Australian Open this morning in congratulating her on her new role.

"We love Sarah and we are very proud," Fouad told her co-hosts.

READ MORE: Sarah Abo 'lays down the law' over Melbourne pet hate

"I'm very confident that you have what it takes to do it brilliantly, with such a great team around you."

While Sarah's sister cheekily said she would be happy to fill in for her on days off - even having a go at it alongside Karl before an earlier ad break this morning - she too applauded her sister's efforts.

"We are so proud of everything she's achieved, this is the pinnacle and she's done an amazing job - We are really happy," Shaz told Today.

"She's beautiful and she is exactly like she is on camera - genuine and loves her family."

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Karl being Karl, he mentioned to viewers that Sarah's sister let slip his new co-host is the only one in the family without a PhD, mush to Sarah's embarrassment.

"Thanks for reminding everyone out there," Sarah said.

"I am the dud of the family - We've got a Dr Abo, Dr Abo and a dud Abo."

But Fouad did have one piece of advice for Karl if he plans to keep picking on Sarah this year.

READ MORE: Why Karl couldn't stay awake at the Australian Open

"You be careful, don't mess around with her," he told Karl.

"She is very caring, family orientated and a lovely character.

"She always knows what she wants to get and she'll work hard to get there."

See what else Fouad and Shaz had to say about Sarah in the video above

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