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.

Instead of celebrating a third-straight appearance in the Australian Open final, Aryna Sabalenka made an incredibly classy gesture. Defending champion Sabalenka had to put her close friendship

Aryna Sabalenka is also aiming to become the first woman to win three successive Australian Open titles since Martina Hingis, who won from 1997 to 1999. Sabalenka defeated Paula Badosa by 6-4, 6-2 in Australian Open 2025 semifinal.