Australian Open 2025: Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka cruises past Paula Badosa into the final

Aryna Sabalenka will have a shot at a third consecutive Australian Open title, after she defeated Paula Badosa in the semis on Thursday (23 January).

The world number one completed a 6-4, 6-2 victory against her good friend, the tournament 11th seed, who was competing in her first tennis Grand Slam semi-final.

After a shaky start for the defending champion, in which Badosa broke and raced into a 2-0 lead, Sabalenka found her rhythm, broke back and won four games without reply.

The 26-year-old hit 19 winners and sealed an impressive opening set, moving into another gear after the break to steer the match out of Badosa’s grasp.

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