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.

The former world No. 2 was ranked No. 100 this time last year amid a back injury that had her contemplating retirement.

Aryna Sabalenka overcame a sluggish start in the semifinal match as she beat Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2, thus putting an end to her dream run in Melbourne.

The semifinal matches are scheduled to start at 3:30 a.m. EST and will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Fans looking to watch can do so through FuboTV, which offers a free trial and $30 off your first month, or DirecTV Stream, which also offers a free trial. SlingTV doesn’t offer a free trial but does have other promotional offers available.

Aryna Sabalenka moved one win away from becoming the first woman since 1999 to win three consecutive Australian Open titles, recovering from a slow start to beat good friend Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2 Thursday night and return to the final.

Aryna Sabalenka will get the opportunity to shoot for a third consecutive Australian Open title after thrashing Paula Badosa in the semi-final at Rod Laver Arena.

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Aryna Sabalenka reaches her third straight Australian Open final by beating Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2.

Aryna Sabalenka is into the Australian Open final again after easing past Paula Badosa on Thursday night in Melbourne. The World No.1 has won the last two editions of the tournament and will now go for a three-peat.

Aryna Sabalenka has promised Paula Badosa something she might live to regret in a shopping spree after her crushing win over her best friend 6-4, 6-2 to reach a third straight Australian Open final.

Paula Badosa was extremely emotional after stunning Coco Gauff to reach her first Grand Slam semifinal as the Spanish tennis star instantly remembered that just a year earlier she received a devastating injury diagnosis and didn't know what the future held for her.