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

This was Paula Badosa's best-ever run at a Grand Slam, with the Spaniard having previously fallen in the quarter-finals at the 2021 French Open and last year's US Open

After securing a dominant win in the semi-finals of the Australian Open 2025, Aryna Sabalenka promised her good friend Paula Badosa a 'shopping date' on Thursday, January 23. Sabalenka defeated Badosa in straight sets.

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.

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.

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.

MELBOURNE - 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.

Badosa defeated American third seed Coco Gauff for her maiden Grand Slam semi-final appearance. Meanwhile, Sabalenka won against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2 2-6 6-3. She is on track to become the first woman to accomplish a three-peat at the Australian Open since Martina Hingis reigned supreme from 1997 to 1999.

The 27-year-old Spaniard will face two-time defending champion and best friend Aryna Sabalenka for a place in the final. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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.

Aryna Sabalenka is the first woman to reach three singles finals in a row at the Australian Open since Serena Williams (2015-2017) and the youngest since Martina Hingis (1997-2002)

World No.1 tennis superstar Aryna Sabalenka has won hearts across the world for a classy act after her Australian Open win over best friend Paula Badosa on Thursday night. The two-time reigning champion and overwhelming favourite proved she’s a ruthless competitor on the court, no matter the opponent, but always a good friend off it.