- Sabalenka defeats Badosa 6-4, 6-2 to reach her third consecutive Australian Open final.
- She is aiming for a rare third straight title, a feat last achieved by Martina Hingis.
- Despite the loss, Badosa’s impressive run returns her to the top 10 after overcoming a major injury.
Sabalenka extended her unbeaten streak at the Australian Open to 20 matches with a 6-4, 6-2 win over her close friend Paula Badosa. The victory propels her into a third consecutive Australian Open final, putting her on the verge of a historic achievement.
Aiming for her third straight title, she could join an exclusive list of players who have achieved this feat, including legends like Steffi Graf and Margaret Court.
Sabalenka Defeats Badosa to Close in on Historic Australian Open Three-Peat
Paula Badosa’s impressive semi-final run marks a remarkable recovery from a back injury that nearly ended her career in 2023. Her performance in Melbourne will see her re-enter the top 10 rankings, a huge achievement after such a challenging year. Although she fell short in the semi-finals, Badosa’s grit and resilience earned her widespread respect, and her comeback is inspiring for many.
In her post-match comments, Sabalenka promised to treat Badosa to a shopping spree to make up for their on-court battle. The two have a strong friendship, and Sabalenka’s lighthearted approach shows the bond they share despite the competitive nature of tennis. Their relationship remains intact, with Sabalenka offering a sweet gesture after what was no doubt an emotional encounter.
Sabalenka’s journey at the Australian Open reflects her elite level of play and determination. With one more match to go, she stands on the verge of accomplishing a rare and historic feat in tennis, while Badosa’s impressive showing points to a bright future ahead.
Sabalenka’s pursuit of a third straight Australian Open title is shaping up to be an exciting chapter in her career, with her resilience and talent on full display. While her friendship with Badosa remains strong, the championship is still within her grasp.
“After a couple of battles against each other we have spoken and decided to put it aside…” — Sabalenka
