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

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka is just one win away from a hat-trick of Australian Open titles after seeing off best friend Paula Badosa to reach a third straight final.

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 and stay on track for a 26-year first.

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 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 will not let her friendship with Paula Badosa affect her quest to win a third successive Australian Open title when the best friends clash in the semi-finals, the defending champion said on Tuesday.

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.

Madison Keys faces Iga Swiatek in the Australian Open semi-finals, live from 9.40am First up Aryna Sabalenka takes on Paula Badosa at ... Monica Seles and Steffi Graf. But there was controversy ...

Melbourne (AFP) – Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka put her close friendship with Paula Badosa aside Thursday ... Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles. Court was in the stadium ...

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka put her close friendship with Paula Badosa aside Thursday ... Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles. Court was in the stadium watching.

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus will face the USAs Madison Keys in Saturdays Australian Open womens final (from 8.30am GMT); Sabalenka seeks three Melbourne titles in a row; watch the ATP and WTA Tours on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+,