Aryna Sabalenka is happy about reaching the final. © ANSA / JOEL CARRETT

Mission title defense: Sabalenka is in the final

Aryna Sabalenka is just one win away from her targeted hat-trick of titles at the Australian Open. The world number one from Belarus beat Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa 6:4, 6:2 in the semifinals.

23 January 2025

From: dpa/tu

In the final on Saturday, Sabalenka can triumph at the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne for the third time in a row after 2023 and 2024. The last time that was achieved was the Swiss Martina Hingis from 1997 to 1999. In the final, the 26-year-old will face the winner of the subsequent semi-final (11 a.m.) between the Polish favorite Iga Swiatek and the American Madison Keys.

Sabalenka earned her 20th consecutive win at the Australian Open with her usual powerful baseline play and great quality on her own serve. Her opponent and friend Badosa, who was in the round of the best four at a Grand Slam tournament for the first time, could only keep up with the high pace at the beginning.

Paula Badosa says goodbye to the Fnas. © APA/afp / WILLIAM WEST

After 86 minutes, Sabalenka converted her first match point. Afterwards, the friends hugged each other warmly at the net. Celebrities were also watching from the stands of the Rod Laver Arena, including US model and TV presenter Tyra Banks.

Duel of the Friends

However, the duel should not harm the friendship between Sabalenka and Badosa. "We decided a long time ago that we are friends off the pitch, but on the pitch she really wants to win and I really want to win," Sabalenka once said.