Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka set aside her close friendship with Paula Badosa on Thursday, overpowering the Spaniard to secure her spot in a third consecutive Australian Open final.
The Belarusian world number one clinched a 6-4, 6-2 victory on Rod Laver Arena and now awaits the winner of the match between Polish second seed Iga Swiatek and American 19th seed Madison Keys for Saturday’s decider. Sabalenka has found consistent success on the hard, fast courts of Melbourne Park, winning 20 straight matches at the tournament and edging closer to a historic third consecutive title—a feat not achieved this century.
The last player to win three straight titles was Martina Hingis in 1999, joining an elite group that includes Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, and Monica Seles. “Super tough match against a friend,” Sabalenka commented. “Super happy to be through.”
Aryna Sabalenka is headed to her 3rd straight Australian Open final! 😤 pic.twitter.com/htU2WL3buC
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) January 23, 2025Despite previously describing Badosa as her “best friend” and “soulmate,” Sabalenka was all business during the cool Melbourne evening. Badosa, the 11th seed, who had defeated world number three Coco Gauff to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final at 27, started strong.
Badosa conceded a break point due to a double fault in the opening game but recovered with several big winners to maintain her serve. However, Sabalenka quickly countered, overcoming a 0-2 deficit by capitalizing on Badosa’s errors to regain control and take a 4-2 lead.
As rain began, the match continued under a closed roof, but the conditions did not disrupt Sabalenka’s momentum. She concluded the set with an ace after 53 minutes, having delivered 19 winners to Badosa’s six.
Early in the second set, Badosa fell while attempting a shot but signalled she was unharmed. The brief comedic relief did not distract Sabalenka, who broke Badosa’s serve following consecutive double faults by the Spaniard and then broke again, dominating with her powerful baseline game.
