The best friends will meet in the Australian Open semifinals as Sabalenka looks for a third straight title in Melbourne.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka put her close friendship with Paula Badosa aside Thursday to sweep past the Spaniard into a third successive Australian Open final. She has now won 20 straight matches at the Australian Open to close in on a third consecutive crown -- something that hasn't happened this century.

Aryna Sabalenka defeated Paula Badosa in straight sets during their 2025 Australian Open semifinal match. Despite their close friendship off the court, Badosa playfully demanded a "big gift" from Sabalenka before extending her forgiveness.

Aryna Sabalenka has reached her third consecutive Australian Open final by defeating Paula Badosa in straight sets. Sabalenka, aiming for a third cons

The 27-year-old Spaniard will face two-time defending champion and best friend Aryna Sabalenka for a place in the final. Read more at straitstimes.com.

American Madison Keys stunned world No. 2 Iga Świątek in an all-time Australian Open classic, coming from a set down to win 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8) and set up a final showdown against Aryna Sabalenka.

Aryna Sabalenka battled through "unbelievable" windy conditions Tuesday to reach the Melbourne semi-finals and keep her dream of an Australian Open hat-trick alive. "The conditions were unbelievable.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka brushed aside her close friendship with Paula Badosa on 23 January to secure her place in a third consecutive Australian Open final. The world number one defeated the Spaniard 6-4, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena and now awaits either Iga Swiatek or Madison Keys in Saturday's title clash.

In the Australian Open final, Aryana Sabalenka will attempt to emulate Martina Hingis’ three consecutive title wins from 1997 to 1999.

Aryna Sabalenka has a third Australian Open title in sights after she showed who is boss in her semi-final against Spaniard Paula Badosa, winning 6-4 6-2.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka put her close friendship with Paula Badosa aside Thursday to sweep past the Spaniard into a third successive Australian

Steffi Graf (1988-90) and Monica Seles (1991-93) have also achieved the feat, but Sabalenka was quick not to overlook her upcoming clash with Badosa