Last Updated:
The 26-year-old Sabalenka posted a 6-4, 6-2 triumph over Spanish Badosa in the final four to keep her hopes of an AO three-peat alive.
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a forehand return to Paula Badosa of Spain during their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Aryna Sabalenka moved into the final of the Australian Open 2025 with her win over Paula Badosa on Thursday at the Rod Laver Arena.
The 26-year-old Sabalenka posted a 6-4, 6-2 triumph over Spanish Badosa in the final four to keep her hopes of an AO three-peat alive.
“Super tough match against a friend,” she said.
“Super happy to be through,” the Belarussian said.
“I have goosebumps. I’m so proud of myself. I’m proud of my team that we were able to put ourselves in such a situation,” Sabalenka continued.
“If I’ll be able to put myself in the history books, it’s going to mean a lot. It’s going to mean the world to me.”
“After a couple of battles against each other, we spoke and decided to put it aside,” said Sabalenka, who leads their head-to-head series 6-2.
“She wanted it badly. We both wanted it badly. No matter what happens on the court, were going to be friends after our matches.”
Then Sabalenka paused, before joking: “I hope she’s still my friend. I’m sure she’ll hate me for the next hour or day. I’m OK with that.”
More To Follow…
