MELBOURNE, Australia — Aryna Sabalenka continued her charge towards a third-straight Australian Open title by overwhelming her “soulmate” Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2 in Thursday evening’s semifinal.

Coco Gauff’s fast start to the year came to an end at the Australian Open as she fell to a 7-5, 6-4 quarterfinal defeat against Paula Badosa.

No. 11 seed Paula Badosa of Spain upset American Coco Gauff, the No. 3 seed, in straight sets at the Australian Open quarterfinals.